Eddie Howe in agreement as Yasir Al-Rumayyan makes Newcastle United transfer demand
Eddie Howe and Yasir Al-Rumayyan are in agreement over Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United.
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has again warned that Alexander Isak is not for sale amid constant speculation surrounding his future.
The Swede has emerged as one of the world’s best strikers since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63million in August 2022, having netted 61 goals in just 106 appearances.
It had been suggested that the Magpies value Isak at £150million but as we get closer to the summer transfer window, the growing message is that the 25-year-old is priceless.
As reported by Mail Online in March, Newcastle chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan has told the club’s hierarchy to “resist any offers for his favourite player”. Head coach Howe is also in agreement.
Eddie Howe delivers clear Alexander Isak message
Asked if Isak is not for sale, Howe replied: “He's not for sale from my perspective. I want to build a squad, I want the strongest squad possible for next season. There's a lot to look forward to here, hopefully.
“The end of the season is going to be crucial for us. I feel we have a strong squad and I think if we can add some players for the first time in a few windows, that will make a massive, massive difference for us. So that's what I'm focusing on, not the other way around.
“We want to keep our best players. I think I’ve made that very clear. That’s not just the wish from me, that’s the wish from everyone at the club. I don’t have a crystal ball. I can’t sit here and say what’s going to happen.
“I can only say what my determination is and it is to build a team, the best team possible and to do that you can’t consistently lose your best players.”
Isak remains under contract at St James’ Park until 2028 with CEO Darren Eales suggesting earlier this year that contract talks will take place in the summer.
Has Alexander Isak’s form dipped recently?
Isak’s recent form has been questioned since the Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool, despite still managing three goals in six games.
In response, Howe said: “Well, he's still scoring important goals for us and that's never lost on me, none more so than the penalty. Yes, you always probably expect to score a penalty but that was a key moment in the game at 0-0 against Ipswich, where we needed him to be really cool and do his job and score the goal. And he did.
“I'd say we probably haven't found a way to get him involved in the game as much. Certainly against Ipswich, we didn't. Second half, I thought he came alive to a degree.
“I think there's more to come from Alex than he's shown maybe in recent weeks, but I think we're working towards that. You've got to remember, he's had a couple of little niggles within his groin. That then limited his ability to train.
“I think he's trained fine this week. He's looked good. And he's a difference maker. And we need him at 100%.”