Liverpool and Newcastle supporters swiftly responded upon hearing Eddie Howe’s comments regarding Alexander Isak’s future with the club on Saturday.
Isak, aged 25, has been extensively rumored to be on the verge of a transfer to Liverpool for several days, while Al Hilal has also expressed interest in the Swedish international.
Just when Newcastle fans believed they were in the clear, as the Reds are advancing their efforts to acquire Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, it was revealed that Isak was omitted from the Magpies’ lineup prior to their 4-0 loss to Celtic in Glasgow, Scotland, on Saturday.
Nevertheless, early reports indicated that this situation arose from the management of his minutes and was unrelated to his future with the club. Naturally, Howe was subsequently questioned about the absence of both Joelinton and Isak from his matchday squad for the Celtic match, and his response has generated excitement among some Liverpool supporters.
“Both (Joelinton and Isak) are fit but not prepared to play,” Howe informed journalist Mark Douglas. He further stated: “It’s challenging for me to provide 100% clarity on any player. Alex is content at Newcastle; he appreciates the players, the staff, and the team. I am confident he will be present at the beginning of the season.
“Subsequently, another series of quotes surfaced through Sky Sports’ Keith Downey.”
It was my choice,” Howe clarified. “He [Isak] returned to Glasgow with us, but I opted to send him home due to the surrounding speculation. The last thing he wanted was to be sitting in the stands watching; that was not fair to him. However, I am confident he will remain a Newcastle player by the end of the transfer window.
“Liverpool fans quickly shared their opinions regarding the Newcastle head coach’s position. One remarked: “I am unfortunately drawn back in.”
Another commented: “There must be some truth to the rumors then.
“A third individual asserted: “I might be reading too much into this, but it seems to me that he is unsettled.”
Meanwhile, certain Newcastle supporters expressed dissatisfaction with Howe’s comments on Saturday.
One individual remarked: “So his [Isak’s] head has been turned then. If you don’t wish to play for us, then leave.”
Another asserted: “Indeed, this does not seem entirely accurate. It is a very typical Howe reaction to a challenging media inquiry. Regardless of speculation, one does not get sent home due to mere conjecture. Speculation exists throughout the year. I am uncertain about the current situation.
“A third person exclaimed: “This is a strange decision; surely Isak would have performed better in the match with 10,000 Newcastle fans cheering for him. I have a bad feeling about this now.