Eddie Howe has rejected claims he promised Alexander Isak a Newcastle United exit this summer, insisting he never makes promises to players about transfers because he isn’t in control of the negotiations. The issue flared after Isak posted an emotional message about “broken promises” on Instagram, with speculation persisting that the manager had told the striker he would be free to join Liverpool once a replacement was found.
“Absolutely not,” Howe said. “I never make any promises to any players regarding transfers because, ultimately, I’m not in control of the whole thing. I would never make a promise like that to any player.”
Newcastle are near completion on the £70m capture of German striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart, a deal that could clear the way for Liverpool to lodge a record bid for Isak. Reports suggest an offer approaching £130m could finally end the Swede’s months-long pursuit, during which Isak largely refused to train or play for Howe’s side.
Inside Newcastle, the stance on Isak has shifted after some executives initially focused on keeping him. The mood softened on Monday when Jamie Reuben, the club’s minority owner, was joined by representatives of the Public Investment Fund, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, at Isak’s Northumberland home. Isak reportedly resisted attempts to broker a rapprochement or a lucrative new contract.
Howe, while urging patience, acknowledged Isak’s determination to leave could influence the club’s decision. “Of course I would have a preference,” he said regarding whether Isak remained or departed. “But ultimately you have got to look at all the information. I have a footballing preference but then you have to take everything else into account. You can’t just be oblivious to things that have happened.”
Howe has not spoken to Isak for around two weeks and has had no contact with the 25-year-old since the Instagram post. He remains hopeful that Newcastle’s ongoing pursuit of Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jørgen Strand Larsen will provide a second top-class attacking option to pair with Woltemade if Isak moves on.
As for Saturday’s fixture at Leeds, the German newcomer is unlikely to feature after the late completion of his transfer, while Newcastle will be without suspended forward Anthony Gordon and the injured Joelinton. Sandro Tonali also faces a late fitness test on a shoulder issue, though there is cautious optimism over his availability.
Joelinton’s groin injury is not believed to be long-term, and Howe suggested squad morale has improved in Isak’s absence. “The squad dynamic is very strong at the moment,” he said. “I wouldn’t have said that in the first two weeks of pre-season, though.” He added that the group had endured distraction but had grown stronger in the wake of those early weeks, while confirming there is still work to be done to finish the transfer window successfully.
If Isak does depart, Newcastle’s recruitment strategy appears to center on adding depth and goal threat to support Woltemade. The club’s pursuit of Wissa and Strand Larsen indicates a plan to field a dynamic strike partnership capable of complementing the record signing from Stuttgart, while maintaining the club’s ambitious three-pronged forward line.
Context and analysis:
– The situation highlights Newcastle’s willingness to push for top-level reinforcements even amid speculation about a star player’s future.
– The involvement of Jamie Reuben and the Public Investment Fund at Isak’s home suggests the club is serious about resolving the situation decisively, whether by keeping the player or sanctioning a blockbuster move.
– Howe’s stance underscores a practical approach: focus on building the squad and securing players within the realities of football negotiations rather than making promises.
– The potential departure of Isak would dramatically reshape Newcastle’s attacking plans, making the Woltemade signing and pursued targets like Wissa and Strand Larsen particularly important for maintaining balance and potency up front.
Summary:
– Eddie Howe denies promising Isak a Newcastle exit; transfers and negotiations remain fluid.
– Newcastle are close to signing Nick Woltemade, which could open the door to a Liverpool bid for Isak.
– Isak has shown resistance to new terms; club officials have engaged with him and his representatives, but talks remain unresolved.
– Newcastle are pursuing additional attackers to partner with Woltemade, aiming to strengthen the squad for the season ahead.
– The mood around the squad has improved in Isak’s absence, and Howe remains hopeful about closing the window with meaningful reinforcements.
Overall, this update points to a pivotal moment for Newcastle’s attacking lineup, balancing the risk of losing a key player with the potential reward of a strengthened forward line. Positive momentum in squad morale and a continued push for high-quality reinforcements provide a hopeful outlook for the club’s ambitions this season.