Eddie Howe has acknowledged that the Alexander Isak situation is “far from ideal,” but remains hopeful the player will return to Newcastle after confirming the club rejected an offer from Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Swedish striker, considered a highly sought-after player globally, has reportedly been swayed by interest from the Premier League champions this summer.
Isak did not join Newcastle’s pre-season tour in Asia, officially due to a “minor thigh injury.” However, his discontent emerged alongside the revelation that he is currently training with his former club, Real Sociedad.
“I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home,” Newcastle manager Howe stated, as reported by The Athletic.
“I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it.”
“There are people back in England dealing with the situation. I really don’t know what is going to happen next, but from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”
Newcastle are returning from Asia after Sunday’s friendly match against Tottenham in Seoul. Howe revealed that he learned about Isak’s training in Spain with Real Sociedad through media reports.
“I know where he is through the media, so I think from that perspective it’s difficult for me to go into any detail,” he said.
“The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say.”
