LONDON: Eddie Howe admits Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has control of his future with the club as Liverpool remain interested in signing the Sweden forward.

Isak will not be involved in Newcastle’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa on Saturday after reportedly telling the club he wants to leave St James’ Park.

The 25-year-old was the subject of a rejected 110 million ($149 million) bid from Premier League champions Liverpool earlier in August.

Newcastle boss Howe is desperate to keep Isak, who helped the Magpies end their 56-year trophy drought by winning the League Cup final against Liverpool last season, while also firing them to Champions League qualification.

Asked if he envisioned Isak playing for the Newcastle before the end of the summer transfer window, Howe told reporters on Friday: “As I sit here now, I don’t know that. Alex will control that.”

Isak is reportedly refusing to train or play in an effort to force his way out of the club he joined from Real Sociedad in 2022. He did not take part in Newcastle’s pre-season tour, training alone at his former club Sociedad instead.

Isak has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract and it is understood he will be fined — the maximum penalty for a single offence is two weeks’ wages — for missing a competitive match this weekend.

Reports have suggested Liverpool will submit a second offer — their initial bid was 40 million shy of Newcastle’s valuation — but Howe is confident there is a way back for the player should no deal be struck.

“Yes, I believe there is, but of course discussions and talks would have to take place in order for that to happen,” he said. “At the moment I would [expect him to stay], but I’ve got no change of feeling throughout the summer. It’s not in my hands, but he’s contracted to us, so that’s why I say that.”

Isak’s stance had angered Newcastle fans and Howe hopes the striker realises how important the club has been in his development.

“He’s a highly intelligent person and he knows he wouldn’t have the success here without everybody connected with Newcastle,” he said. “This is a different moment for him and us, and we’re working through that together.”

Howe is also focused on strengthening Newcastle’s squad, regardless of Isak’s transfer status.

Newcastle endured a sluggish start to the transfer window, with winger Anthony Elanga arriving from Nottingham Forest in early July.

Several pursuits failed to progress before they signed defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton in August.

“The top end of the pitch isn’t ideal but we still have time. We are still active in the window we’d love to add one or two. But it’s now quality over quantity,” Howe said.

“Initially a lot of frustration as we were trying to be active early but that didn’t happen. It’s no-one’s fault, gradually we have become stronger.

“The squad has good depth and we should be resilient enough to get through a tough season. The fixture list is relentless. It’s an important two weeks, we need to do a little more.”

Published in Dawn, August 16th, 2025