‘No Chance’ – Eddie Howe Offers Alexander Isak Transfer Update After Newcastle Beaten by Arsenal

Eddie Howe on Alexander Isak Transfer Talk After Pre-Season Friendly Loss to Arsenal

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has once again made it clear: there’s “no chance” Alexander Isak will be joining up with the Magpies’ pre-season tour in Singapore. Speaking in the wake of Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat to Arsenal, Howe was forthright about the club’s star striker, who continues to attract interest from Premier League rivals and overseas giants alike.

What Happened: Alexander Isak Absent, Arsenal Win

Celtic v Newcastle United – Pre-Season Friendly

Newcastle’s pre-season campaign took a hit on the pitch as they were edged 3-2 by a sharp Arsenal side in humid conditions in Singapore. While the football itself was high-tempo and engaging, much of the post-match conversation inevitably shifted back to the future of Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international has been a topic of intense speculation throughout the summer, with reports emerging that he has expressed a desire to leave St. James’ Park. He has yet to feature in any of the club’s pre-season fixtures, with a thigh issue cited as the reason for his absence.

Eddie Howe’s Firm Response: ‘No Chance’

When asked if Alexander Isak could be joining the squad at a later point during the Asia tour, Howe’s response was emphatic:

“No, no chance.”

The Newcastle manager didn’t mince words. Whether it was frustration or confidence—or perhaps a bit of both—Howe’s tone left little ambiguity.

“Of course, we’re not deluded. We know that we need to bring players in, we’ve known that for a long time. At the tail end of last season, we did all the work we wanted. It’s been a challenging transfer window, let’s see what we can do.”

The Bigger Picture: £150 Million Price Tag

Alexander Isak’s rise over the past 18 months has made him one of the most valuable assets in European football. Signed from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a then-club-record fee, the 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign, netting 21 goals in all competitions and becoming a focal point of Newcastle’s attacking unit.

Unsurprisingly, top clubs are circling. Liverpool are reported to be at the front of the queue, with Jürgen Klopp known to be an admirer of the Swede’s dynamic movement and clinical finishing. Meanwhile, there are whispers of interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, though insiders suggest Alexander Isak himself would prefer to remain in European competition at this stage in his career.

Newcastle have placed a valuation of around £150 million ($201.5m) on Alexander Isak, a figure designed to deter potential suitors while giving the club negotiating leverage. Whether anyone is prepared to meet that asking price remains to be seen.

Howe’s Transfer Woes

Beyond the Alexander Isak drama, Howe touched on broader concerns regarding Newcastle’s summer business.

“It’s been a challenging transfer window,” he said. “We’re working within the parameters we’ve got. The ambition is there, but so are the limitations.”

This is a reference to both Financial Fair Play regulations and the club’s desire to maintain a stable wage structure. Newcastle have been linked with several names across Europe, but concrete movement has been slow.

The sale of a marquee name like Alexander Isak would undoubtedly free up funds—but it would also force Howe and the recruitment team to move fast in sourcing an adequate replacement.

Life Without Alexander Isak? Not Ideal

Isak’s absence was evident in the match against Arsenal. Newcastle looked promising in patches—Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga were lively, and new signing Lewis Hall showed glimpses of quality—but lacked a focal point in the final third.

The match, played in front of a packed Singapore National Stadium, saw Newcastle go ahead early before conceding twice in quick succession. An unfortunate own goal by Alexander Murphy put Arsenal 2-1 up, before Max Dowman, a 15-year-old sensation, won a late penalty that sealed the win for the Gunners.

Despite the scoreline, the Magpies’ performance wasn’t without positives. However, the void left by Alexander Isak was glaring. Callum Wilson, now 32, cannot be expected to carry the load alone for an entire season, especially with Newcastle competing in multiple competitions.

What’s Next for Newcastle?

Arsenal v Newcastle: Pre-Season Friendly

The Magpies are still in the thick of pre-season and will next face a South Korean K-League XI on Wednesday. That match will be followed by a more familiar foe in Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday.

The coming days could be pivotal. If Isak’s stance remains unchanged and a serious bid materialises, Newcastle may be forced into the market. With the clock ticking toward the close of the summer transfer window, fans will be watching every development with bated breath.

What Does This Mean for Alexander Isak?

Isak finds himself at a crossroads. At 25, he’s approaching what should be the peak years of his career. Remaining at Newcastle offers the opportunity to be the main man at a club with growing ambitions. But a move to Liverpool, or another Champions League side, could present a faster route to silverware and greater global recognition.

Then there’s the question of style. Howe’s structured, counter-attacking approach has suited Isak well, but might he flourish even more in a side built around possession and attacking flair? These are the considerations facing both the player and his representatives.

Final Thoughts

Eddie Howe may have said “no chance” when asked about Isak joining the team in Singapore—but that doesn’t necessarily close the door on a summer exit. With over a month left in the transfer window and top clubs circling, Newcastle’s resolve will surely be tested.

Howe’s focus, for now, is on preparing his squad for the upcoming Premier League season. But he’ll know better than anyone that uncertainty around a key player can become a distraction—especially when that player is as vital as Alexander Isak.

Whether he stays or goes, the next few weeks will be crucial not just for Newcastle United, but for the player who might soon become the most expensive Swedish footballer of all time.