Newcastle star Alexander Isak missed the club's collision for the season in the weekend after a week of talking to him with Liverpool when Eddie Howe played his absence
Ex-liverpool star Steve Nicol claims that “there is absolutely something” behind Newcastle's decision to leave Alexander Isak friendly in the weekend in their pre-season with Celtic in the midst of speculation about his exit.
The Swede did not play for the Magpies after a week in which the conversation was that Liverpool made an approach for the striker, who has proven itself as one of the best No. 9s in Europe since he moved to St James' park from Real Sociedad three years ago.
He was a club record that signed for Newcastle, but they could double the £ 63 million demands they paid to sign him if he left. Eddie Howe is adamant that his leading light is not going anywhere, despite the fact that different clubs are enthusiastic if he would express a desire to leave.
Howe claimed that Isak would never appear in the game that she lost 4-0, while Newcastle is watching his workload after he struggled at the back of the season for fitness, but ex-red Nicol believes that there is more to the decision that sees the eye.
He said to ESPN: “It makes no sense that Alexander Isak does not participate in this game. Perhaps he was told that something is going on and you cannot play him in case he gets injured, that is what happens and is injured against Celtic, is that £ 150 million away in the drain. So there is absolutely there.”
The Newcastle manager admitted that he had told Isak to go home after a week in which he dominated the headlines. He said, “It was my decision. I decided to send him home because of the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to look in the position, that was not fair for him.”
Isak's agent Gonzalo Gaitan recently added fuel to the fire and was quoted in Saudi -Arab Outlet Arriyadiyah as saying that they “perhaps almost finish the next step for the player” – but refused to confirm what that step would be.
Newcastle, since they have been taken over, has to lose one of their leading lights to a rival club. They have been built steadily with Isak their most successful signing so far. This summer, their attempts to strengthen their team have proved difficult with several of their goals that go elsewhere.
The Magpies, who return this period to the Champions League, would like to expand the contract of the player. Isak has left for his current deal for three years, but is due to the landing of a salary increase. He was reportedly frustrated after former sports director Paul Mitchell had suspended contract discussions, even though he was told that they were on the cards.