Howe says ISAK wants to “earn the right to train with Newcastle teammates

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe made it clear that star striker Alexander Isak will need to try again before returning full training with the squad, amid speculation on his future.

The Swedish forward has been in the center of transfer rumors in recent weeks, with reports released in July which is open to leave St. James’s Park.

This speculation intensified last Friday when Newcastle rejected a £ 110million offer from Liverpool. Among the uncertainty, Isak was training alone at his previous club, Real Sociedad.

He did not travel with the squad in their tour before the Asian season, with the club quoting a “minor thigh injury” as the reason for his absence.

However, reports suggest that the 25-year-old boy returned to club training.

Speaking to Newcastle Chronicle, Howe admitted that he has not yet talked directly to ISAK since Liverpool’s offer was deposited.

“It’s like any other player, we expect to enter and train as normal,” Howe said.

However, the Newcastle boss also released a strong message about what he expects from all its players in terms of commitment and professionalism, adding: “You must earn the right to train us.

“We are Newcastle United. The player has the responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a team-you have to act on the right track. So this is also playing here.

“We will make sure that every player does this to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act badly and train with the group as normal.”

No clarity on the ISAK deal

ISAK, who joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in a £ 60m club record in 2022, had an excellent season last year.

He scored 27 goals in 42 appearances, playing a major role in the qualification of the Newcastle Champions League through a fifth Premier League finish. He also found the net in the final victory of the 2-1 Championship Cup over Liverpool.

The Howe’s side wraps their pre-season schedule with a 1-1 draw against Tottenham in Seoul. After the game, when asked if Isak should return to training, Howe replied: “Of course I would like him but whether he will, I do not know or not at this time at the time.

“Other people have been dealing with that situation back home.”