Isak Omitted from Newcastle’s Asia Tour Sparks Fresh Doubts Over Future
Newcastle United’s pre-season plans have taken a dramatic turn, as Alexander Isak has been left out of the squad travelling to Asia, raising eyebrows and fuelling further speculation about his future.
The club confirmed the Swedish striker has been sidelined with a “minor thigh injury,” but the timing of his absence has stirred a whirlwind of reaction.
Just days ago, head coach Eddie Howe stated that Isak would “absolutely” be part of the squad for matches in Singapore and South Korea. Yet, his name is absent from the 30-man list.
That contradiction hasn’t gone unnoticed.
The striker, who netted 27 goals in 42 appearances last season, has been heavily linked with a high-profile move to Liverpool.
The Premier League giants recently splashed out £69m for Hugo Ekitike, ironically, a striker Newcastle themselves tried to sign with a £70m bid that failed.
Despite swirling transfer rumours, Howe insists there’s no reason to panic. “Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team and I’ve never had any issue with him,” Howe said after their pre-season 4–0 defeat to Celtic, a match Isak also missed.
Still, fans are unconvinced. Supporters flooded online platforms with a mix of concern and frustration after the club cited a muscle issue.
Gary questioned the commercial logic: “If these tours are all about driving commercial revenue, surely you take your star striker regardless of a minor injury?” Kevin summed up the unease: “Concerning. I hope it is just a precaution.”
Many believe this could be a smokescreen. “Is ‘thigh injury’ just an excuse, and he is on his way out? Be honest – the fans deserve it,” wrote Bob.
For others, like Mark, the writing may be on the wall: “I think he is unsettled and can see him moving to another club. If he does, we desperately need other players up front.”
Howe has remained cautious. “I think it’s difficult for me to give 100% clarity on any player,” he admitted, leaving the door slightly ajar for speculation to thrive.
The timing only adds fuel. Newcastle’s squad flies to Singapore for a clash with Arsenal on 27 July before heading to South Korea for two more fixtures—against a K-League All-Star XI and Tottenham. With the season fast approaching and no Isak in sight, fans are right to feel anxious.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hall has made the cut despite not featuring since February due to a foot injury. His inclusion suggests the club are preparing him for regular action this season.
Newcastle have maintained publicly that Isak is not for sale—but this latest development might suggest otherwise behind closed doors. As murmurs from Merseyside grow louder, it’s becoming clear: unless Alexander Isak or the club offers concrete clarity soon, this story isn’t going anywhere.
And neither, for now, is Isak.
