Newcastle Desperate to Retain Isak Amid Liverpool Interest

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has expressed strong confidence that star striker Alexander Isak will remain with the club for the 2025-26 season, despite missing the recent 4-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Celtic and ongoing transfer speculation linking him to Liverpool. Howe explained Isak’s absence as a precautionary measure to manage his workload and shield him from distracting transfer rumors, emphasizing Isak’s happiness and importance to the team. Liverpool reportedly made a substantial offer for Isak, rumored to be up to £130 million, but Newcastle have not received a formal bid and are desperate to keep their irreplaceable striker, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season. While Howe acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football transfers, he reiterated Newcastle's intention to treasure and retain key players like Isak. The club’s only major signing so far is Anthony Elanga, with hopes to strengthen further defensively and in attack, while Isak is expected to be part of the upcoming East Asia tour. Despite Liverpool shifting focus to other targets, Newcastle remain determined to hold on to Isak amid intense interest.