Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United return in fresh doubt as Eddie Howe confirms latest on Liverpool target

Add as preferred source on Google

Alexander Isak’s return to Newcastle United may not be as imminent as it seemed after Eddie Howe spoke on the matter. 

Isak was expected to return to Newcastle United training next week, having flown back to the UK after undertaking an individual fitness regime at former club Real Sociedad. 

Indeed, Isak wants to join Liverpool, and the Reds will reportedly bid again despite claims they were willing to walk away from the deal after having an opening bid rejected. 

The Sweden striker at least appears to be desperate to move on but, until Newcastle agree to sell him, he remains under contract at the club. 

An awkward return to the Newcastle United training ground had been predicted for the 25-year-old, but Howe admitted he is still not certain about that. 

• Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer

Eddie Howe unsure on Alexander Isak return to Newcastle United training  

Howe was speaking after Newcastle drew 1-1 with Tottenham in their final pre-season game of their tour of Asia. 

Isak missed Newcastle’s pre-season tour with what has been described as a minor thigh injury, though had previously been left out of a friendly against Celtic at least partly because of the speculation over his future. 

The Newcastle United manager admitted he didn’t know if Isak would be back in training, which is a concern.  

“Of course I’d like him to be, but whether he will I don’t know at this moment in time,” he said (via Craig Hope of The Daily Mail.

“Other people have been dealing with that situation back at home.” 

How Newcastle United are starting to feel about Alexander Isak now

Isak is starting to ‘burn bridges at Newcastle’, which may end up being the key factor in a potential move to Liverpool. 

Still, there is one big reason as to why Newcastle are keeping him at the club.

Newcastle will not sell Isak without signing a replacement, and they continue to labour in the transfer market. 

Next week looks like it could be decisive. If Isak does not come to training – and there’s no suggestion he absolutely won’t – then perhaps the club will know if there is any way back.