Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has shed light on the sudden absence of star striker Alexander Isak from their pre-season clash against Celtic – and it comes right in the middle of growing links to Liverpool 👀.

After Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat in Scotland, Howe explained that while Isak had traveled with the squad, he was sent back to England. The reason? A combination of careful game management and the transfer speculation swirling around the Swedish forward.

> “It was a call I made,” Howe told reporters. “With everything going on around him, I didn’t think it was right for him to just sit in the stands. It wouldn’t have been fair. But I’m still confident he’ll be with us once the window closes.”



When pushed on whether he’s certain about keeping Isak, Howe was cautiously optimistic.

> “Nothing is ever 100% in football,” he added. “But Alex is settled here. He loves the club, his teammates, the staff… he’s a key part of our plans, and we’re doing everything to keep him.”



🔴 Liverpool’s Record-Breaking Move Incoming?

Reports from The Athletic suggest Liverpool are preparing a massive £120 million offer – which would eclipse their British-record deal for Florian Wirtz – in hopes of prying Isak away from St. James’ Park. The 24-year-old netted 27 times in 42 games last season and has quickly become one of Europe’s hottest forwards.

Arne Slot’s side are clearly hunting for firepower, especially with Darwin Núñez’s future uncertain and Luis Díaz weighing up options amid interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona. The Reds were also recently linked to Jean-Philippe Mateta, but all eyes now seem to be on Isak 🔴⚽

Stay tuned… this transfer saga is just heating up 🔥