Isak must ‘earn right’ to train with squad – Howe

Eddie Howe, the manager of Newcastle United, has stated that Alexander Isak must “earn the right” to train with his team.

Isak’s £110 million bid for the Sweden international was turned down by the Magpies last Friday as they went training alone at their former club Real Sociedad in the shadow of his future.

The 25-year-old was reported by BBC Sport wanting to leave Tyneside in July because of what the club called a “minor thigh injury.”

He reportedly returned to the Magpies’ training facility on Monday, but Howe, speaking to the Newcastle Chronicle, claimed he had not spoken to the forward since Liverpool had submitted an application.

The Newcastle boss added that Liverpool, as far as he was aware, had not spoken to them since making their offer before he made the trip back home with his squad from South Korea.

Howe told the Daily Mail, “You must have earned the right to train with us.”

“We are Newcastle United,” he said. You must act appropriately in order to be a part of both a team and a squad, as the player has a responsibility here. That is also relevant in this situation.

Any player who does that will be given the opportunity to train with the group. No player should anticipate acting poorly or working with the group as usual.

Isak, who moved to Newcastle for £60m from La Liga side Real Sociedad in 2022, last season scored 27 goals in 42 games.

He scored when Howe’s side defeated Liverpool in the EFL Cup final to advance to the Champions League and helped them earn a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham in Seoul marked the end of their Far East tour.

When asked if Isak was scheduled to train after the game, Howe responded, “Of course I’d like him to, but I’m not sure at this time whether or not he will.”

Newcastle have been linked with a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, but the club has missed out on a number of targets. Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer called the current transfer window a “mess.”

He also discussed the situation surrounding Isak in an interview with The Rest is Football.

Shearer said, “I believed he might have stayed for a second season before this could have happened the following summer.”

“You’ve got to take what someone offers Newcastle if he can’t be persuaded to stay,” said the statement. In the end, you simply say, “Thank you very much for the wonderful memories you’ve given us,” and off you go.

He continued, “I’m not angry with him at all.” I am aware of the dynamics of football and am familiar with what takes place during and after the game.

I am probably aware of his mentality. Is it appealing to me? Is it clear to you? Probably two distinct things.

I want him out right away if it seems as though Eddie can’t possibly turn him around and he says no.

You pay your big money for him, whoever is willing to pay it, and you sign up others, likely already, before moving on.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle manager, announced on July 19 that Isak will “absolutely” be on the team’s pre-season tour of the far east after the Swede missed a 4-0 friendly defeat by Celtic with a thigh injury.

Hugo Ekitike has signed for Liverpool for $69 million from Eintracht Frankfurt as of July 2025.

Isak is ruled out of Newcastle’s squad for their pre-season tour due to a “minor thigh injury” on July 24, 2025.

Isak expresses a desire to relocate to a different city on July 24, 2025.

28 July 2025 – Sources tell BBC Sport that despite the arrival of Ekitike, Liverpool are still interested in signing Isak.

Howe claims Newcastle have not yet received any offers for Isak as of July 29.

Isak trains alone at the former Real Sociedad on July 31, 2025.