Alexander Isak Misses Newcastle Pre-Season Tour as Liverpool Transfer Rumors Heat Up

Alexander Isak, one of Newcastle United’s top players, has not joined his team on their pre-season tour of Asia. This comes just after reports that Liverpool is very interested in signing him. 

Newcastle says Isak is staying home because of a thigh injury. But the timing has raised eyebrows, especially since Liverpool made an approach to sign him just a week ago. 

Before this, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe had already removed Isak from the squad before a friendly match against Celtic. That game ended in a 4-0 loss for Newcastle. 

Isak had been training with the team during their camp in Austria. But because of the rising speculation around his future, Howe decided it was better to send him home. 

After the loss to Celtic, Howe told reporters: “It was my decision to send him home. With all the rumors about his future, it wouldn’t have been fair for him to sit and watch in the stands.” 

Now, the Magpies are heading to Singapore to face Arsenal. After that, they will travel to South Korea to play against the K-League All-Stars and Tottenham Hotspur. 

Isak will miss all these matches. Medical staff are worried that flying long distances could make his injury worse. 

Even though he’s injured, many fans and experts believe Isak is being kept away due to the transfer rumors. His absence has only fueled more talk. 

Liverpool, who recently signed Hugo Ekitike for £79 million, are said to still be very keen on Isak. Ironically, Ekitike was also a Newcastle target. 

Reports suggest that Isak is open to joining Liverpool. He is believed to be excited about the idea of playing at Anfield for the Premier League champions. 

Arsenal also likes Isak, and Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal is reportedly ready to offer big money for him. 

Despite all this, Newcastle says Isak is not for sale. But if they were forced to let him go, they would ask for at least £125 million, a new British transfer record. 

Isak used to play for big European clubs like Real Sociedad and Borussia Dortmund. He signed a long-term contract with Newcastle, which runs until 2028. 

He also didn’t play in a secret match against non-league side Carlisle United before the Austria tour. That game was behind closed doors. 

After the Celtic game, Howe added: “Alex is happy here. He loves the team, the club, and the city. I’ve had talks with him, and I’m confident he’ll still be with us when the season starts.” 

Still, Howe admitted that he can’t give full clarity on any player’s future. “There’s always noise during transfer windows,” he said. 

Isak has stayed professional during training, according to the club. But the situation is clearly sensitive, and his future is now a major talking point in football circles. 

On social media, fans are debating whether Isak is truly injured or just being protected while a transfer is being discussed. 

With the transfer window still open for several weeks, the story is far from over. 

Isak’s next move, whether to stay at Newcastle or leave for Liverpool, could shape the upcoming Premier League season. 

For now, Newcastle will play their pre-season matches without him, and fans will wait and watch.