Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said that he is convinced that striker Alexander Isak will be in the Premier League club at the start of the 2025-26 season, after he had left the Swede from their 4-0 friendly loss for Celtic due to transfer interviews.
Earlier this week, British media reported that Premier League champions Liverpool were interested in signing the 25-year-old Sweden International, who is left for his Newcastle contract for another three years.
Isak took 23 Premier League goals last season, only behind Liverpool Talisman and Golden Boot winner Mohamed Salah (29).
Isak, closed 52 times before his country, entered Real Sociedad in 2022 at Newcastle and has since scored 62 times in 109 performances for the magpies in all competitions.
“It was my decision. He traveled with us back to Glasgow, but I decided to send him home because of the speculation around him,” said Howe reporters after Saturday's game.
“The last thing he wanted is to look in the stands, that was not fair for him. But I am convinced that he will be a Newcastle player who comes the end of the window.
“It is difficult for me to give 100% clarity to every player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I am convinced that he will be here at the start of the season.
“Yes, I have had discussions with him, but that is not abnormal. I respect the career of a player and how short it is. Alex has been really good, he is really well trained and I realize that there will be noise around him.”
Newcastle, who qualified for Champions League Football after ending the fifth in the Premier League last season, will be in action against Arsenal next Sunday in a friendly match in Singapore.