The transfer window always brings a flurry of speculation, and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is the latest to find himself at the center of swirling rumors. After being left out of the Magpies’ pre-season friendly against Celtic, questions about his future have intensified. The absence raised more than a few eyebrows and, despite efforts to downplay the situation, manager Eddie Howe’s post-match comments have done little to quiet the noise.

Newcastle’s 4-0 defeat to Celtic wasn’t just a wake-up call on the pitch—it also spotlighted a missing piece up front. Isak, the club’s record signing, was notably absent, and while Newcastle attributed this to “managing minutes” after a training stint in Austria, the explanation didn’t convince everyone. Especially with Liverpool’s name swirling around the rumor mill.

Eddie Howe later elaborated, saying he made the call to send Isak home before the match. The reasoning? According to Howe, it was to protect the striker from public scrutiny during a time of uncertainty. “If he’s not playing, he doesn’t need to be sitting in the stands under a microscope,” Howe explained. It’s a fair point—but in the world of football, silence often speaks volumes. The fact that Isak returned to Glasgow with the squad only to be sent home added to the intrigue.

While the club insists that both Isak and Joelinton were fit but simply not match-ready, fans aren’t buying that story in full. Howe did clarify that he and Isak had spoken directly, and stressed there’s been no formal approach from Liverpool, despite media reports of a £120 million interest earlier in the week.

Liverpool have reportedly shifted their attention toward Hugo Ekitike, but their initial interest in Isak was enough to unsettle some Newcastle supporters. It’s no surprise—Isak has been one of the club’s brightest lights since his arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022. Tall, quick, and technically sharp, the Swedish international fits the mold of a modern striker that many top clubs crave.

For Newcastle, losing Isak would be more than just a personnel change—it would be a statement about their ambitions. Eddie Howe was clear in his admiration for the player, calling him “irreplaceable” and stressing how difficult it is to find top-tier talent. “When you have them, you need to treasure them,” he added. That’s a strong indication of how valued Isak is within the team—not just for his goals, but for the system that’s been built around his strengths.

But Newcastle are also operating in a landscape where financial fair play and transfer pressure collide. If a nine-figure offer really does come in, even the most ambitious clubs have to pause and consider their options.