Eddie Howe has delivered a direct warning to Alexander Isak, insisting the forward must “earn the right” to rejoin Newcastle United’s training sessions after a controversial stint in Spain.
The 25-year-old returned to Tyneside this weekend following an unauthorized trip to train at Real Sociedad’s facilities, which came shortly after he pulled out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour in Asia, citing a thigh injury. Subsequent scans showed no damage, and Isak’s move was clearly geared toward forcing an exit
from NUFC, likely to Liverpool.
Isak’s actions surprised club officials, who were unaware of his travel plans, as Howe confirmed just before the game against Tottenham on Sunday.
Speaking from Seoul before boarding the flight home, Howe made it clear that the situation will not be overlooked and that Isak better behave going forward.
“We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad — you have to act in the right way,” Howe said. “No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.”
Howe confirmed he had not yet spoken to Isak since his return, but expects him to report this week. If the forward does not, it would effectively amount to strike action, or show him the door out of Tyneside.
Isak and his agent are pushing for a move to Liverpool, whose £110million bid was rejected on Friday. Daily Mail, however, reported shortly after that a second offer is expected once Newcastle makes progress on a replacement, whether that’s RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, both still in play and under talks for a potential transfer.
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