Eddie Howe has confirmed Alexander Isak will not feature in Newcastle’s fixture against Liverpool on Monday, and has reiterated his hope to see him back in a black and white shirt soon.
The striker was spotted at Newcastle’s training pitches again this week as the dispute over his future continued.
Tensions boiled over just days ago, when the 25-year-old released a bombshell statement on his Instagram story.
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The Swede claimed that “promises are broken and trust is lost”, and that “a change is in the best interests of everyone”.
Alexander Isak broke his silence on the transfer saga, declaring that a 'change is in the best interest of everyone' | InstagramNewcastle retorted with a strong statement themselves, confirming that “no commitment has ever been made by a club official” that would allow the striker to leave in the summer.
The Magpies did admit, however, that “Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his team-mates”.
And it seems Howe remains insistent on reintegrating the want-away striker, who scored 23 Premier League goals on Tyneside last year.
Alexander Isak scored 23 Premier League goals last season - more than Erling Haaland
| REUTERSSpeaking ahead of his side's return to St James' Park against Liverpool on Monday, the Magpies boss admitted: "It [Isak's statement] was a sad moment.
"My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must. The club has spoken, & justifiably so in that moment.
"He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, & that’s regrettable. But I still wait for him. 100 per cent, I want him back in a Newcastle shirt.
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“The relationship between our fans and Isak can still be good. The fans will always react to the way a player plays.
“There is always two sides to a story. We will see where we are in a week’s time. I hope I can work with him again.”
However, Howe issued one stark warning to the striker: "If Alex is to play for Newcastle again, he has to be totally committed. It can't work any other way. Any player steps out on the pitch, has to give their all for Newcastle United."
Despite the pleas of the club and his boss, Isak remains adamant about a move away.
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Newcastle boss Eddie Howe pleaded with his talisman ahead of their clash with Liverpool on Monday
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It is said that he had been promised a new contract - currently earning £140,000-a-week - but, given the change in Newcastle’s hierarchy with both Amanda Staveley and Paul Mitchell departing the club, no such deal was offered.
With Liverpool’s interest, Isak decided he would like to leave the club and, with the help of agent Vlado Lemic, they constructed a scenario in backing Newcastle into a corner so that they must sell - or so they thought.
The problem for Isak is Newcastle’s own woes in the transfer market. If the Magpies were able to attract a replacement for the striker, he was to be allowed to leave.
However, with Hugo Ekitike, who also joined Liverpool, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko all choosing alternative clubs, Newcastle have been simply unable to replace him.
Howe’s side also have Champions League football to contend with, creating the need for an even deeper squad, and therefore, an Isak departure would prove even more devastating.
With just nine days remaining in the window, time for Isak to complete his dream move this summer is running out, as it is for Newcastle to find a replacement.
Howe remains confident that Isak’s relationship with the fans, while severely damaged, is not irreparable. In fact, it is quite mendable, should the Swedish international wish.
But it will not be repaired yet, with the striker ruled out of their fixture against Liverpool on Monday. After a 0-0 draw at Villa Park on Saturday, Howe will be hoping gain some momentum against the title favourites.