Eddie Howe says Alexander Isak’s future will be “irrelevant” as Newcastle try to win their first Premier League game of the season against reigning champions Liverpool.
The Magpies’ head coach has spent much of the summer being quizzed about the future of his star striker, with the Reds launching a €126 million bid for a player valued at €172 million by his current employers.
The Sweden international, who has been training alone since missing Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea, will not participate in Monday night’s game at St James’ Park, and while Howe dearly wants the player to stay, he will not consider him.
When asked what message victory over Liverpool without Isak would convey, the 47-year-old replied, “I don’t think it sends a message without Alex. You send messages every day and during every performance.
“Our goal is to get off to a good start this season. Alex’s situation is largely immaterial. When the game begins, it will be about us playing to the best of our abilities and displaying the same fighting spirit we demonstrated against Aston Villa.”
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Newcastle’s attitude on Isak has been consistent all summer, and Liverpool has yet to submit a bid that they believe is worthy of consideration, even if they could sign the two frontmen they would require if he were permitted to depart.
Howe stated on RTC News, “I don’t think the club is trying to take that stance; I think they are simply reacting to the situation and making decisions based on what they believe is best for Newcastle United.”
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