Isak must 'earn right' to train with squad - Howe

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has stated that forward Alexander Isak needs to "earn the right" to participate in training with the team.

Last Friday, the Magpies declined a £110m offer from Liverpool for Isak as the Swedish forward practiced alone at his previous club Real Sociedad amid ongoing speculation regarding his future.

The 25-year-old, who was reported by BBC Sport in July as wanting to consider leaving Tyneside, was excluded from the club's pre-season tour in Asia due to what the club described as a "minor thigh injury."

He purportedly returned to the Magpies' training facility on Monday, but Howe, in comments to the Newcastle Chronicle, noted that he had not had any discussions with the striker since Liverpool made their proposal.

"He's no different from any other player; we would expect him to come in and train normally," Howe remarked.

Speaking prior to returning home with his squad from South Korea, the Newcastle manager mentioned that, to his knowledge, Liverpool had not reached out since their initial offer.

"You must earn the right to train with us," Howe conveyed to the Daily Mail.

"We represent Newcastle United. The player has an obligation to be part of the team and the squad – one must behave appropriately. This is also a factor to consider.

"We will ensure that any player does what is necessary to earn the privilege of training with the group. No player can anticipate acting inappropriately and still train alongside the team as if nothing is wrong."

Isak, who arrived at Newcastle in a £60m deal from La Liga's Real Sociedad in 2022, netted 27 goals in 42 matches for the club last season.

He played a pivotal role in helping the team qualify for the Champions League due to a fifth-place finish in the Premier League and also scored during Howe's side's victory over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final.

Newcastle concluded their tour of the Far East with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham in Seoul.

After the match, when asked if Isak was planned to train, Howe replied, "Naturally, I would like him to, but whether he will or not, I can't say at this moment."

"Other parties have been managing that situation back home."

No single individual surpasses any football club - Shearer

Newcastle has been rumored to be pursuing RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko, although they have missed out on several targets. Former striker Alan Shearer described the club's summer transfer window thus far as a "mess."

On The Rest is Football podcast, he also addressed the situation with Isak.

"I thought he might have remained for another season, and then this could have happened next summer," Shearer commented.

"If he cannot be convinced to stay, then should someone present Newcastle with an acceptable offer, they must consider it. Ultimately, one would simply express gratitude for the wonderful memories and let him go."

He remarked: "I hold no anger towards him. I comprehend how football operates, and I am aware of the dynamics that unfold in and around the sport.

"I likely grasp his mindset. Do I appreciate it? Do I fully understand it? Those are probably two separate matters.

"If it genuinely is beyond Eddie's ability to change his mind and he maintains his stance, which seems to be the situation, I want him to leave now.

"You're going to receive a substantial amount for him, from whoever is willing to pay that price, and then you can bring in new players, ideally ahead of time, and proceed from there.

"No player is larger than any football club."

Chronology of Isak's transfer situation

25 May 2025 - Alexander Isak concludes the 2024-25 season as Newcastle's leading scorer with 27 goals across 42 appearances.

19 July 2025 - Newcastle manager Eddie Howe states that Isak will "absolutely" participate in the club's pre-season tour to the Far East after he missed a 4-0 friendly loss to Celtic due to a thigh injury.

23 July 2025 - Liverpool acquires striker Hugo Ekitike for £69 million from Eintracht Frankfurt.

24 July 2025 - Isak is omitted from Newcastle's squad for the pre-season tour because of a "minor thigh injury."

24 July 2025 - Isak reveals his wish to seek an exit from Newcastle.

28 July 2025 - Sources inform BBC Sport that Liverpool continues to show interest in acquiring Isak, even after Ekitike's signing.

29 July 2025 - Howe mentions that Newcastle has not yet received any proposals for Isak.

31 July 2025 - Isak trains individually at his former team Real Sociedad.

1 August 2025 - Newcastle declines Liverpool's initial bid for the Swedish international, leading the Reds to consider not pursuing their interest further.