Alexander Isak Left Out of Newcastle’s Pre-Season Tour Amid Liverpool Interest
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has not joined the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, sparking further speculation over his future after Liverpool made an approach last week.
According to Newcastle, the 25-year-old is recovering from a thigh injury, and club medical staff were reportedly concerned about how long-haul travel could affect his recovery. However, the timing of his absence—just days after Liverpool’s inquiry—has fueled talk of a potential summer move.
Isak also missed Newcastle’s recent 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic in Glasgow. While he had been part of the squad’s training camp in Austria, manager Eddie Howe confirmed that he sent the Swedish striker home due to growing speculation.
“It was my decision,” Howe said post-match. “He travelled back to Glasgow with us, but I felt it was best to send him home. With all the noise around his future, sitting in the stands wouldn’t have been fair on him.
That said, Alex is happy at the club—he enjoys the team, the staff, and the environment. I’m confident he’ll be a Newcastle player by the time the window closes.”
Despite Newcastle’s firm stance, Liverpool’s interest remains. The Reds are known admirers of Isak and reportedly see him as a potential long-term solution up front. Isak, for his part, is said to be open to the idea of a move to Anfield. Arsenal are also keeping tabs on the player, while Saudi club Al-Hilal have shown interest as well.
Newcastle have made it clear that Isak is not for sale, but sources suggest it would take an offer of at least £125 million—a British transfer record—to even enter negotiations. He is under contract until 2028.
In the meantime, Liverpool have already strengthened their forward line with the £79 million signing of Hugo Ekitike, a player Newcastle were also monitoring. Yet, the Premier League champions remain very keen on Isak as they look to further bolster their attack.
Newcastle will continue their pre-season with matches in Singapore (against Arsenal) and South Korea, where they’ll face the K-League All-Stars and Tottenham, but Isak will play no part
