Transfer Uncertainty Surrounding Alexander Isak
Newcastle United’s head coach, Eddie Howe, expressed uncertainty regarding the ongoing transfer situation of Alexander Isak, particularly in light of the arrival of club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan in Tyneside for the team’s match against Liverpool on Monday.
Match Recap
The match, held at St James’ Park, saw Newcastle make a comeback from a two-goal deficit despite being down to ten players after Anthony Gordon‘s first-half red card. However, they ultimately suffered a defeat, conceding a late goal from Liverpool’s young talent, Rio Ngumoha.
Isak’s Transfer Situation
Isak did not participate in the match, as he continues to push for a transfer away from the club, with Liverpool having previously proposed an offer of £110 million (approximately $148.76 million) for the forward, which Newcastle declined earlier this month.
When questioned about any potential discussions that Al-Rumayyan may have had with Isak, Howe indicated, “I’m not privy to those discussions and haven’t been involved for quite some time. My focus has been on preparing the players who are committed to playing for Newcastle. That’s where my efforts should lie. I truly have no insight into the current state of discussions.”
Al-Rumayyan’s Visit
When prompted further about whether Al-Rumayyan’s visit had anything to do with Isak’s potential move, Howe remarked, “I’m not sure why he is in attendance, but primarily he is here to show support for the team and connect with the fans, which is greatly valued by everyone. Nonetheless, it’s important to note that as the owner, he has a significant influence on the club’s direction. Still, I am not aware of any talks taking place today, so I can only speculate about the situation.”
Looking Ahead
Howe conveyed the need for clarity and progress, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the season’s early stages and striving for results:
“We desire clarity and a change in narrative as we embark on the season’s action. It’s crucial for us to concentrate on aspects within our control. Despite delivering two commendable performances, we ended up with just one point, which is disheartening, especially when looking for positives. However, we must persevere and shift our focus to the upcoming match against Leeds.”
