Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has admitted the Cold War with Willemaway striker Alexander Isak far from ideal, because his side is preparing to start the Premier League season without their productive goal scorer.
The 25-year-old Sweden International, who scored 62 goals in all competitions since he arrived for a club record compensation in 2022, seems to be determined to leave Newcastle in this transfer window.
British media reported that Liverpool champions had a bid of 110 million pounds ($ 148.8 million) rejected for Isak, which scored 23 competition goals last season when Newcastle finished fifth and qualified for the Champions League.
Isak trains away from the team and will probably perform on Aston Villa on Saturday in Newcastle’s opening fixture.
«It has not been ideal, I don’t think it has been healthy for us, I’m not going to deny that. That has been a big, big challenge,» Howe told the BBC.
«For me, Alex is one of the, if not the best, strikers in the world, so to miss him from your team is a huge gap. The situation is going on, but we will have to find a way without him (in Villa Park).»
Howe acknowledged that Squad Moral took a hit during the preseason when Isak only trained in his old club Real Sociedad while Newcastle was on tour in Asia.
«It would always be there if you have a player so good, not part of your group. It is difficult for the players to fully understand,» said Howe.
«But as time passes, there has been an acceptance that this is the team and we have to get the best out of the situation. That has always been my thought train. We have improved and the atmosphere of the group has been very good.»
