Liverpool transfer news: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe issues major update on future of "irreplaceable" Alexander Isak after Celtic absence

By Matt Law, Football Editor

Published: July 19 2025 | 18:24

Last updated: July 19 2025 | 18:43

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe admits that Alexander Isak was not involved against Celtic on Saturday afternoon partly down to the speculation surrounding his future.

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has admitted that Alexander Isak was not involved against Celtic on Saturday afternoon partly down to the speculation surrounding his future.

Isak is viewed as one of the outstanding strikers in world football, and it is believed that he is on the radar of the majority of the biggest clubs on the planet, including Liverpool.

There is also significant interest from the Saudi Pro League in the Sweden international, and it is thought to be possible that he could leave St James' Park this summer in what would be one of the biggest transfers of all time.

Isak did not feature on Saturday, as Newcastle suffered a 4-0 defeat to Celtic in their pre-season fixture, and Howe was asked about his star player after the heavy loss.

Howe is "confident" that the 25-year-old will stay with the Magpies this summer, but he was unable to confirm that he would not depart before the window closes for business.

Isak is a leading transfer target for Liverpool this summer

"Both (Joelinton & Isak) are fit but not ready to play. Alex has trained and is fine but we didn't want to take the risk with him," Howe told reporters following the clash with Celtic.

"It's difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player. Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players, the staff, the team. I'm confident he'll be here at the start of the season. We have a few of those players who are irreplaceable. We're desperate to keep Alex (Isak) part of our team."

Isak has developed into one of the best strikers in world football since making the move to Newcastle from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022.

The 25-year-old has scored 62 goals and registered 11 assists in 109 appearances for the Magpies, including 27 goals and six assists in 42 outings during the 2024-25 campaign.

Howe 'frustrated' with Newcastle's transfer business

Howe also admitted that he has been left frustrated by his club's transfer business so far this summer.

Anthony Elanga has made the switch to the Magpies in a £55m deal, but Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus had been leading targets this summer, and both have headed elsewhere.

Indeed, Mbeumo is on the verge of joining Manchester United from Brentford, while Kudus has made the controversial switch from West Ham United to their bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

"We've had a frustrating time in missing out on targets, I'll be open on that. But we're confident we can get in some players who can strengthen the team. We wanted more (incomings)," said Howe.

Newcastle will continue their preparations for their new Premier League campaign with a friendly against Arsenal on July 27, with that fixture taking place in Singapore.