Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has reaffirmed Alexander Isak’s importance to the team amid ongoing transfer rumours linking the Swedish forward to Premier League giants Liverpool and Saudi club Al Hilal.

Speaking to reporters during Newcastle’s pre-season tour in Singapore, Howe made it clear that despite the speculation, Isak remains very much a Newcastle player. “He is aware he’s in the news every day, which I’m sure is not easy,” Howe said, emphasizing that conversations between the player and the club will remain private.

Isak, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season, has been sidelined from the club’s tour due to a minor thigh injury, which also kept him out of the recent friendly loss to Celtic. “He left training very early and didn’t feel right,” Howe explained. “He’s now back in Newcastle getting that injury assessed.”

Despite his absence and the surrounding rumours, Howe remains confident that the 25-year-old will stay at St. James’ Park. “I said after the game against Celtic that I was confident he would stay. I don’t see anything that is going to change that opinion of mine at the moment,” he stated.

Isak’s contribution on and off the pitch has not gone unnoticed. Howe praised him as a “magnificent” player and highlighted his strong integration within the squad. “He is very comfortable in the dressing room,” the manager added.

Following a historic season that saw Newcastle lift the Carabao Cup—ending a 70-year trophy drought—and secure a fifth-place Premier League finish, Howe stressed the club’s ambition heading into the new season.

“We set the bar very high, and there’s a lot of ambition within the team,” Howe said. “Once you’ve experienced that feeling of winning, you want it again.”

As Newcastle prepares for the 2025/26 campaign, fans will be eager to see Isak return to fitness and continue leading the club’s charge both domestically and in Europe.