Eddie Howe has spoken about the future of Alexander Isak in Newcastle and admits that the hierarchy will eventually make a decision about whether or not to sell the Swede
Newcastle -Baas Eddie Howe insists that the club did not make a timetable for a decision about the future of Alexander Isak, but known that the goal of Liverpool could leave the club this summer.
The Swedish striker, who has become the leading light of the team for his three years in St James' Park, has expressed the wish to explore his options of the Magpies. It means that, despite winning a trophy and qualifies for the Champions League, Newcastle can lose their best player.
If Isak were left, it would require a transfer costs from British record to seduce Newcastle and currently Liverpool is the only Premier League club that comes forward. There is also interest in Saudi Arabia.
Isak just enjoyed his best season so far for the goal, but is currently not part of the preparations for the team for the season, largely than the speculation around his future. Howe claimed that no immediate decision would be made if the club weighs what is best in the long term.
He said: “I would not put a time schedule on it. I think it should be suitable for the football club with these situations, and everything will be taken in context.
“But the club will make the right decision with all the information it has, and ultimately to try to help the club in any way. Then it is up to us to make good decisions the other way and improve the team as well as possible. That is what we try to do, regardless of Alex's situation.
“But I think there is a wider photo here. There is a whole football club that has to make the decision. The ownership, together with the board of directors, especially with the money involved in modern transfers. The manager of course has an opinion, but in the end the decision will rest with the board.”
He added: “Of course things go behind the scenes (with Alex). He will know that he is in the news every day, and I am sure this is not easy for everyone in that situation. Conversations that take place between Alex and the Club of Alex and I will remain private for obvious reasons. We share a really good relationship with him.
“He is beautiful for us and he is very popular in the dressing room. We would love to continue his journey in Newcastle. I hope he will stay for sure. And I said (last weekend) I was convinced that he would stay. I see nothing that will change that opinion of me at the moment, but who knows what the future can bring.
“The only thing I would say on the broader image is that everything that happens is good for Newcastle. We are financially in a very strong position. We are determined to be successful. We are ambitious. We have a great season ahead of us. We have to add to the team and continue to improve, and the journey can continue in an upward route.”
Liverpool has just spent £ 79 million to land Hugo Ekitike as their new No. 9 from Frankfurt, but that cannot stop them from going back to the market to explore a deal for Isak. The Reds have already spent more than £ 200 million, but still have the scope to spend considerably more if necessary.
It would be a huge blow to Newcastle, who made no secret about their ambitions. They have gradually been able to invest since their Saudi owners entered and have retained their top talent so far.