Latest news with #AlexanderIsak


New York Times
20 minutes ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Alexander Isak omitted from Newcastle squad for pre-season tour of east Asia
Alexander Isak has not travelled with the Newcastle United squad for their pre-season tour of East Asia due to what is being described as a minor thigh problem. The striker was not in Glasgow for Newcastle's 4-0 friendly defeat against Celtic on Saturday, with Eddie Howe admitting that the speculation surrounding his future played a '10 per cent' part in that decision. Liverpool have communicated their interest in the Sweden international. Advertisement But the head coach was adamant that, like Joelinton who was in the stands at Celtic Park, Isak's pre-season minutes were being 'managed'. Howe insisted after the defeat to Celtic that he expected Isak to join Newcastle in Singapore and South Korea this week, but the club's squad list does not include the 25-year-old. Isak has been nursing a minor thigh injury and has been training away from the main squad for part of this week. It was felt that a long-haul flight would be unhelpful for his rehabilitation. However, Isak's absence will only further fuel speculation surrounding his future, even if the message from Howe and from the very top of the club is that the striker is simply not for sale this summer. 'The last thing Alex wants if he is not playing is to be sat in the stand, being under that scrutiny,' Howe said at Celtic Park. 'I don't think that's fair to the player, so if he wasn't going to play today, which we agreed, which we mutually agreed that he needs a little bit more training time, then it's best he's not here. 'For any player that (the speculation) is not an easy thing to deal with. It's not an easy thing to understand when you're fielding, no doubt from his perspective, phone calls, text messages, players and people asking him because the media now is so strong and the media message goes far and wide and that scrutiny in part, that's 10 per cent of the reason why he wasn't here. 'I just want him to focus on himself and his training ready for next week. 'I think it's difficult for me to ever give 100% clarity on any player. I'd never do that because it's football and you never know what could happen. All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players that he plays with, the staff and the team. 'I've never had any issue with him, other than really enjoying seeing his talent and seeing him express himself. Certainly, I'm confident that he's going to be here at the start of the season.' Advertisement Then Howe reiterated that Isak is not for sale and that everyone at the club concurs with that view. 'Absolutely, yeah, absolutely,' Howe said. 'There is no one who feels any differently. From board to staff to players. We value his qualities, as a person, so it's very strong. 'We have a few of those players who are irreplaceable because they're so hard to find, to recruit and to develop. We recognise Alex's talent and ability and we're desperate to keep him. 'Alex has been really good, he's trained really well so far this season so I know there will be lots of noise round it and I can't really control that but from inside he's been really good.' Asked on Saturday whether Isak would travel to Asia, Howe said: 'Yeah, absolutely. He's part of our squad. At this moment in time, I expect him to come. 'We love him as a player and a person and want him to stay – and that is right through the club. He's an outstanding talent and a player we cherish.' Newcastle are due to play Arsenal in Singapore on Sunday, before matches against a K-League XI and Tottenham Hotspur in South Korea. ()


Daily Mail
24 minutes ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Alexander Isak has NOT travelled with Newcastle on pre-season tour amid Liverpool transfer interest
Alexander Isak has stayed behind in Newcastle while his team-mates jet across the world. Eddie Howe is taking his men to Singapore, where they will face Arsenal, but he will have to do without his key man. That's because Isak is nursing a minor thigh injury and a long haul flight would not help in his recovery. More to follow.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Transfer triangle! Liverpool ready to hijack Newcastle's move for Hugo Ekitike after Alexander Isak approach as initial talks opened with Eintracht Frankfurt
Liverpool set sights on Frankfurt Newcastle are also vying for his services The Reds are tracking Alexander Isak as well Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱 WHAT HAPPENED? Newcastle, who have tried on two previous occasions to bring Ekitike to St. James' Park, had a recent offer believed to be worth around €75 million (£65m/$87m) rebuffed by Frankfurt, according to The Athletic. With the Magpies' attempts again facing resistance, Liverpool have moved swiftly to explore their own interest. THE BIGGER PICTURE Liverpool's renewed focus on strengthening their attacking options has gained urgency after their attempt to sign Newcastle's Isak met resistance. They have seemingly made public their willingness to offer up to £120m ($161m) for the Swedish forward, but Newcastle's firm stance that the striker is not available has complicated matters. Moreover, the player himself has not communicated his desire to leave the club, but if Liverpool continue to push, there might be a change in the scenario, as revealed by The Telegraph. The report also claims that the Geordies are determined to make their own statement by landing Ekitike, having held positive talks. DID YOU KNOW? With both Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz potentially on their way out, Liverpool have made acquiring a top-tier centre-forward a priority. Ekitike fits the bill after his impressive output last season - 22 goals and 12 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions - played a key role in Frankfurt securing a third-place finish in the Bundesliga. WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL? Having already brought in Florian Wirtz and promising talents like Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, and Armin Pecsi, spending a combined £185m ($247m), Liverpool are still prepared to invest further. With financial expert Kieran Maguire confirming Liverpool's healthy PSR standing and revenue streams, the Reds are well-positioned to fund another marquee signing without regulatory issues. While Isak remains their top priority, Ekitike is increasingly seen as a realistic, high-upside alternative who could flourish under Arne Slot's guidance.
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Alexander Isak Seeking Improved Newcastle Contract Amid Liverpool Transfer Rumors
Alexander Isak Seeking Improved Newcastle Contract Amid Liverpool Transfer Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Liverpool reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt to sign Hugo Ekitike this summer, and the French striker will soon be announced as a new player for the Reds. Liverpool were after Newcastle United's Alexander Isak this summer, but after the Ekitike news, the deal for the Swedish striker seems less likely. According to Ben Jacobs, Liverpool still wants Isak and plans to place a bid for the striker. While the rumors between the Premier League champions and Isak continue, Newcastle are monitoring a plan to keep their striker for longer. His current contract expires in June 2028. The striker arrived at Newcastle in the summer of 2022 from Real Sociedad for a fee of around $84.9 million. While rumors suggest Isak's exit from Newcastle nears, the representatives of the player have worked on a contract extension with an improved salary. Isak Seeks Lucrative New Contract The Athletic reports that Isak's representatives have been eager to ask Newcastle for improved wages. His performances with Newcastle have led to him becoming one of the most highly desired strikers in world football. Chris Waugh reports that despite Newcastle setting a plan to discuss a contract extension for Isak, the club has yet to progress in working towards a new contract for their striker. Isak is one of the top earners at Newcastle United, and the club may not be able to afford increasing the player's wages, let alone offer a lucrative new contract. Newcastle would need to potentially sell players and decrease the wage bill to offer Isak a new contract with a significant increase in wages. While Newcastle have remained firm in not selling Isak this summer, the club may be open next summer, if their striker does not agree to a new contract. What's Next for Newcastle United? Newcastle United will continue their pre-season after losing 4-0 to Celtic FC over the weekend. The Magpies have five more friendly matches before their first Premier League game of the 2025-26 season. They will travel to Asia for three friendly matches. They will take on Arsenal in Singapore at the Singapore National Stadium on Sunday. Newcastle will travel to South Korea for two friendlies. They first play the K-League XI on July 30 at the Suwon World Cup Stadium. On August 3, Newcastle United take on Tottenham at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. They return to England after the Spurs friendly to play two friendly matches at St. James' Park against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid. Newcastle United pre-season schedule July 27: Newcastle United vs Arsenal (Singapore National Stadium ) July 30: Newcastle United vs K-League XI (Suwon World Cup Stadium) August 3: Newcastle United vs Tottenham (Seoul World Cup Stadium) August 8: Newcastle United vs Espanyol (St. James' Park) August 9: Newcastle United vs Atlético Madrid (St. James' Park) This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.


BBC News
13 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
What do you expect from Ekitike?
Last week, we asked you about Liverpool's pivot from targeting Newcastle striker Alexander Isak to their pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo that the £69m move has been completed, we want to hear from you excited are you about his arrival?And what's a reasonable expectation for the 23-year-old in his first season in Premier League football?Tell us over here