Liverpool and Newcastle fans were quick to react after hearing what Eddie Howe said about Alexander Isak’s future at the club on Saturday.
Liverpool Link Grows Stronger as Isak Misses Celtic Clash
Alexander Isak, 25, has been at the center of transfer speculation in recent days, with Liverpool reportedly showing strong interest in signing the Swedish striker. Meanwhile, Al Hilal have also entered the conversation, keeping a close eye on the player’s situation at Newcastle United.
Just as it seemed Newcastle supporters might get a reprieve — with Liverpool appearing to shift their focus toward Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt — fresh concerns emerged. Isak was absent from the squad during Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat to Celtic in a friendly match in Glasgow on Saturday.
Early indications suggested his exclusion was simply part of a minutes management plan, unrelated to any transfer developments.
However, when manager Eddie Howe was asked directly about the absence of both Isak and Joelinton, his response raised eyebrows — particularly among hopeful Liverpool fans.
🗣️ “Both (Joelinton and Isak) are fit but not ready to play,” Howe told journalist Mark Douglas.
The cryptic phrasing has only added fuel to the speculation surrounding Isak’s future — with fans and pundits now questioning whether a move could be closer than it appears.
Eddie Howe Addresses Isak Speculation as Liverpool Links Intensify
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak was notably left out of the squad for the friendly against Celtic, and manager Eddie Howe has now provided more context — comments that have only heightened speculation surrounding a possible move, particularly to Liverpool.
🗣️ “Alex has trained and is fine, but we didn’t want to take the risk with him,” Howe said.
He added: “It’s hard for me to give 100% certainty on any player. Alex is happy here — he loves the club, the players, and the staff. I’m confident he’ll be with us at the start of the season.”
But further remarks shared by Sky Sports’ Keith Downey offered more clarity — and more intrigue.
🗣️ “It was my decision,” Howe admitted. “He [Isak] traveled back to Glasgow with us, but I sent him home due to the speculation. The last thing he needed was to sit in the stands under that spotlight. It wouldn’t have been fair to him. That said, I remain confident he’ll still be a Newcastle player by the end of the window.”
The comments have sparked a flurry of reactions from Liverpool fans online:
💬 “I’m reeled back in, unfortunately.”
💬 “There’s definitely something to these rumors.”
💬 “I might be overthinking it, but it sounds like he’s unsettled.”
With the transfer window still open and interest mounting, Isak’s future is far from sealed — and his absence, paired with Howe’s careful words, has only added fuel to the fire.
However, not all Newcastle fans were satisfied with Eddie Howe’s explanation on Saturday, with some voicing frustration over the situation and questioning the manager’s handling of it.
One supporter commented: “So his head’s been turned then? If he doesn’t want to be here, let him go.”
Another added: “This doesn’t sound quite right. Classic Howe deflecting an awkward question. Speculation happens all the time — players don’t usually get sent home for it. Something feels off.”
A third fan expressed concern: “Strange call. Surely it would’ve been better to have him there, getting support from the 10,000 Newcastle fans. I’ve got a really bad feeling about this.”
The growing unease among fans reflects the tension surrounding Isak’s future, as rumors of a move — particularly to Liverpool — continue to swirl.
