ReutersJul 28, 2025, 04:53 AM ET
EmailPrintOpen Extended Reactions
EmailPrintOpen Extended Reactions
Open Extended Reactions
Newcastle United’s players will not let ongoing speculation linking strikerAlexander Isakwith a move away from St. James’ Park affect their focus as they prepare for thePremier Leagueseason, manager Eddie Howe said.
Isak, who scored 23 league goals for Newcastle last season — only behindLiverpoolwinger and Golden Boot winnerMohamed Salahwho scored 29 –wasleft out of Newcastle’s squadfor their preseason tour of Asia.
The 25-year old, who has 52 caps for Sweden, joined Newcastle fromReal Sociedadin 2022 and has since scored 62 times in 109 appearances in all competitions.
AfterNewcastle’s 3-2 defeattoArsenalin Singapore on Sunday, Howe told reporters the tour was “business as usual” for the players.
“You don’t get a chance when you come on to these tours to think of anything other than training, the next game, the level is so high that even in these games we have to be very well prepared,” Howe said.
– Liverpool target Alexander Isak misses Newcastle tour of Asia- Alexander Isak: Newcastle have transfer decision to make – Howe- Newcastle’s Dan Burn: We’d be upset if Alexander Isak leaves
“We have to try and be at our best. So naturally, I think we’re going to miss a player of Alex’s quality and the group are going to feel that.
There’s no denying that.
“And I can’t sit here and claim that they [the players] won’t [be affected]. But they’re a very professional group of players and they’re doing brilliantly as far as I can see in terms of managing the situation.”
Newcastle, who qualified for theChampions Leagueafter finishing fifth in the Premier League last season, are next in action against a K-League XI in South Korea on Wednesday.
Source: Espnsoccer
