HOWE SAYS NEWCASTLE CAN’T PREVAIL IN ISAK STAND-OFF
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BY OWOLABI OLUWADARA
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stated on Friday that his club cannot prevail in the ongoing situation concerning star striker Alexander Isak’s future.
The Swedish player, who ranked as the Premier League’s second leading scorer last season and scored the decisive goal to secure the League Cup in March, publicly expressed his wish to depart Tyneside this week, amidst interest from Liverpool.
Newcastle hit back with a statement of their own, denying Isak’s claims that promises had been broken towards the player.
As per reports, Isak had been assured an enhanced contract, only for Newcastle to defer due to the pressures of adhering to financial sustainability regulations.
Liverpool has allegedly had a single offer of £110 million ($148 million) rejected, with the Magpies insisting on a British transfer record of £150 million.
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The two clubs will clash in the Premier League on Monday; however, 25-year-old Isak will not participate as he continues to train separately from the rest of the Newcastle team.
“I believe this is somewhat a lose-lose scenario for us because I do not think we can emerge victorious in any circumstance,” stated Howe during his pre-match press conference.
“That is why I have expressed all summer that it is a challenging situation for the club to navigate.
“We appreciate Alex for what he has accomplished for this football club during his tenure, what he has contributed, his professionalism, and this has simply been an unfortunate few months that appears to be nearing conclusion.
“And it will conclude rather swiftly, allowing us to refocus on football. ”
The transfer window will close on September 1 and Howe left the door open for Isak to be reintegrated into his squad for the rest of the season should a move not materialise.
“Alex is a fantastic player, he’s a good person, a good character and a good lad,” Howe added.
“If Alex wanted to come back and play for us the players would welcome him.”
One of the issues holding up a potential sale of their prized asset is Newcastle’s inability to so far attract new strikers to St. James’ Park.
Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen are the two names currently on their wish list after failed moves for Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro among others.
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