Newcastle United's star striker Alexander Isak has signaled his willingness to consider moves away from the club this summer, according to recent reports. The Sweden international missed the Magpies' pre-season tour of Asia due to a "minor thigh injury," with the club confirming he is not part of the 30-man squad for the fixtures. However, sources suggest that several top European clubs are aware of Isak's desire to advance his career, with Liverpool reportedly maintaining interest despite their recent £69m signing of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Manager Eddie Howe emphasized Isak's commitment to the team, stating he is "absolutely" part of the squad for the upcoming matches in Singapore and South Korea. "Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, and the team," Howe said after the 4-0 defeat to Celtic. The club has reiterated that Isak is not for sale, citing his three-year contract and financial stability under the ownership of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which allows them to avoid pressure to offload players.
While Premier League giants like Arsenal and Manchester City have the resources to pursue Isak, their current priorities—such as Arsenal's focus on Viktor Gyokeres and City's reliance on Erling Haaland—may limit their interest. Meanwhile, Newcastle has shown interest in Brentford's Yoane Wissa, though no formal bids have been made. Fans have expressed mixed reactions to Isak's absence, with some questioning the decision to exclude him despite the tour's commercial focus, while others hope he remains at the club for the upcoming season.
Isak's potential exit comes amid broader concerns about Newcastle's transfer activity, as fans worry about the club's ability to strengthen its squad. Critics argue that unresolved speculation could undermine confidence ahead of the new campaign, particularly with the team aiming to return to the Champions League. However, the club insists it will maintain its focus on retaining key players while navigating the transfer market strategically.
Newcastle's pre-season schedule includes a clash against Arsenal in Singapore, followed by matches against a K-League All-Star team and Tottenham. Defender Lewis Hall, sidelined since February with a foot injury, has been included in the tour squad, highlighting the team's cautious approach to player availability.
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