theglobalsun – Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe expressed confidence that striker Alexander Isak will remain at the club as the new season approaches. Isak was notably absent from Newcastle’s 4-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Celtic on Saturday. Sparking questions about his future amid ongoing transfer interest.
Howe acknowledged the uncertainty that often surrounds players’ futures but was clear about his belief that Isak is happy at Newcastle. “Alex loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team, and I’ve never had any issue with him,” Howe said after the loss at Celtic Park.
While Howe stopped short of guaranteeing anything. He emphasized his expectation that Isak will be part of Newcastle’s squad at the season’s start. This reassurance comes amid rumors linking the Sweden international with potential moves, but Howe’s comments suggest stability for now. Isak’s absence in the heavy defeat was felt as Newcastle struggled without key players like him and Brazilian midfielder Joelinton. Their missing presence was noticeable as Celtic dominated the match and scored four goals.
Match Recap and What Lies Ahead for Newcastle and Isak
Celtic took the lead after 28 minutes with a penalty converted by Arne Engels, following a foul on Joe Willock. Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope made a critical error just before halftime, allowing Celtic’s Johnny Kenny to score an easy second goal. The mistake came as Pope rushed off his line, attempting to clear a long ball with a header but missed completely, leaving the net wide open for Kenny to capitalize, which further unsettled Newcastle’s defense and momentum heading into the break.
Newcastle introduced new signing Anthony Elanga for his debut at halftime. Despite increased possession in the second half, the team failed to respond effectively as Celtic extended their lead. South Korean forward Yang Hyun-Jun scored the third goal, while Liam Scales added a fourth with a powerful header. Looking ahead, Newcastle will face Arsenal in their next pre-season game on July 27 in Singapore. When asked if Isak would join the squad on this tour, Howe confirmed, “Yeah, absolutely. He’s part of our squad. At this moment in time, I expect him to come.”
This positive stance from Howe reflects the club’s intent to keep Isak in their plans despite transfer speculation. Maintaining a strong squad and integrating new signings like Elanga will be key for Newcastle’s ambitions in the coming season. As the transfer window continues, fans will watch closely to see if Isak remains a Magpie or if new developments arise. For now, Howe’s confidence signals stability and a vote of trust in the striker’s commitment to the club.
