Howe confident ‘happy’ Isak will stay at Newcastle

After missing out on Saturday’s 4-0 pre-season friendly defeat by Celtic, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is “confident” that Alexander Isak will still play for the club at the start of the season.

After being the subject of transfer interest this summer, the 25-year-old’s future has been uncertain.

After the disappointing defeat at Celtic Park, Howe remarked, “I think it’s difficult for me to give a player a fuller explanation.” Because it’s football and you never know what might happen, I wouldn’t sit here and do that.

However, Alex enjoys visiting Newcastle. He and I have never had any issues with each other, and he loves the staff, the team, and the players he plays for.

At the start of the season, I’m confident that he will be here.

After Joe Willock had brought Nick Pope down inside the box, Arne Engels sent him the wrong way from the penalty spot, leading Celtic in the 28th minute.

Just before half-time, keeper Pope rushed off his line and made an error by attempting to head a long ball clear, allowing Johnny Kenny to net it into the bottom corner.

Anthony Elanga made his debut for Newcastle at the break, but the winger was unable to make an impact. He moved to Nottingham Forest for £55m earlier this month.

Seven minutes after the break, South Korean keeper Martin Dubravka was substituted for by Celtic with a close-range goal from the spot.

Newcastle conceded a fourth goal with a 75th-minute header into the top corner despite having more possession in the second half.

On Sunday, July 27 in Singapore (12:30 BST), the Magpies take on Arsenal in their next pre-season game.

Boss Howe questioned whether Isak would be on the tour, adding, “Yeah, absolutely. He is a member of our team. I anticipate him at this very moment.