Newcastle United issue new response to Alexander Isak statement amid £150m Liverpool saga
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has commented on the Alexander Isak situation ahead of the Premier League clash against Liverpool.
Eddie Howe has again spoken about Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United ahead of facing the club he wants to join.
Isak wants to join Monday’s opponents Liverpool, and won’t be involved in the clash at St James’ Park as he refuses to train or play in an attempt to force through a move.
The saga took a dramatic and bitter turn on Tuesday evening as Isak released a statement accusing the Magpies of breaking promises, concluding that “when promises are broken and the trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Newcastle responded just hours later and strenuously denied that Isak was told he could leave, and added they do not foresee the conditions of a sale being met.
In order to sanction Isak’s exit, the Magpies must sign two strikers before the transfer window shuts on September 1 and Liverpool must meet the player’s valuation, which is close to the £150million mark.
‘Sad moment’ -Eddie Howe reacts to Alexander Isak statement
Reacting to Isak’s statement, Howe said: “I'd always say my preference for these things is it doesn't happen publicly, because I think everything is better dealt with behind closed doors, but needs must, and in this situation the club has spoken, and probably justifiably so in that moment.
“I think, of course, these situations are far from ideal, as in talking press-wise, and a lot of the attention has gone on to that rather than the team and our preparation.
“I think my emotion was one of disappointment in the respect that these things are being made public. And for me, all of these things ideally should be face-to-face, club and player. The public sort of, yes, it's great for you guys. It's great news, but it doesn't reflect well on us or Alex.
“So that would be my preference. It always is on these things. But in the modern day world, that's sort of what happens. And I think just from the club's perspective, they felt they had to act and reply. But for me, it's sort of a sad moment trying to deal with it all.”
Door still open for Alexander Isak to return
Despite Isak’s statement, Howe is continuing to leave the door open to a return.
Howe said: “My wish is that he would be playing on Monday night with us, but he won't be, and that's regrettable at this moment. But he, 100 per cent, I want to see him back in the Newcastle shirt.
“At the moment, that is not an option for us, so rather than talk hypotheticals, I'd rather talk when we get there, when we get to that point. And then, of course, we'll enter that phase and see what we need to do to try and get the best for Alex, get the best for the team, which is always the priority. But until that point, I think we're best focusing on the players we have available for the next game.”