Newcastle took the Champions League ticket with their 5th place in the Premier League. Eddie Howe and the entire squad did the job, but if you ask about a single factor in the club’s rise last season, it’s easy to point to Alexander Isak, the Premier League’s second-highest scoring player. So when Isak is in the “freezer” due to transfer noise, where Eddie Howe still believes the Swede will play in the striped shirt, every move is followed by supporters at Newcastle – and Liverpool. On Friday, Howe gives an update.
After the friendly against Espanyol (2-2), the Newcastle manager was asked about the status of Isak’s situation, the answer opens several doors.
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-We have had conversations, and it is clear that we cannot have him involved in the squad right now. He’s here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle. From our side, we would very much like to have him back in the squad, but the situation has to be right for that to happen,” Howe begins at the press conference.
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Before he makes it crystal clear that he has not written off his top scorer.
“I would like him to play today (Friday) and train tomorrow (Saturday). We really want him with us – let me be clear: there’s nothing in me that wants anything else,” Howe said. He adds that he does not expect Isak to be available for the start of the season on August 16 against Aston Villa.
This is far from over.
