Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has openly expressed his concerns regarding the ongoing transfer saga of star striker Alexander Isak. Describing the situation as "complex" and "far from ideal," Howe revealed that the club recently turned down a substantial £110 million bid from Liverpool, valuing Isak at approximately £150 million.

Isak, who joined Newcastle in a £60 million move from La Liga side Real Sociedad in 2022, has been training alone at his former club due to a minor thigh injury that kept him out of Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia. Howe admitted that he learned about Isak's training situation through the media, highlighting the disconnect in communication.

"I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home," Howe stated during a news conference. "I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation. I really don't know what is going to happen next but, from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again."

Isak was Newcastle's top scorer last season, playing a pivotal role in the club's Carabao Cup victory and ending a 70-year wait for domestic silverware. Despite his contributions, the Swede has expressed a desire to explore opportunities away from Newcastle, adding another layer of complexity to the transfer saga.

Howe emphasized the uncertainty surrounding Isak's future, stating, "The situation is far from ideal. It is quite complex. I think that is all I have got to say." As Newcastle prepares to face Tottenham in Seoul before returning home for their Premier League opener against Aston Villa, the resolution of Isak's transfer situation remains a critical concern for the club.

Timeline of Isak Transfer Saga

• 25 May 2025: Alexander Isak finishes 2024-25 season as Newcastle's top scorer with 27 goals in 42 appearances.
• 19 July 2025: Eddie Howe confirms Isak's inclusion in the pre-season tour despite a thigh injury.
• 23 July 2025: Liverpool signs Hugo Ekitike in a £69 million deal.
• 24 July 2025: Isak is left out of Newcastle's pre-season tour due to a minor thigh injury.
• 28 July 2025: Isak expresses his desire to move away from Newcastle.
• 31 July 2025: Isak trains alone at Real Sociedad.
• 1 August 2025: Newcastle rejects Liverpool's £110 million bid.
• 2 August 2025: Howe describes the situation as "far from ideal."