Eddie Howe makes blunt admission on Alexander Isak situation ahead of Aston Villa clash

Eddie Howe makes blunt admission on Alexander Isak situation ahead of Aston Villa clash originally appeared on The Sporting News

Newcastle United’s season begins with a trip to Villa Park, but their preparations have been overshadowed by the unresolved future of star striker Alexander Isak.

The Magpies, who finished fifth last season and lifted the EFL Cup to end a 70-year domestic trophy drought are facing an opening day that is about more than just points.

After a summer in which key transfer targets slipped away and Isak’s desire to leave became public, Eddie Howe’s squad endured a winless pre-season, losing to Celtic, Arsenal, a K-League XI, and Atletico Madrid, while drawing against Espanyol and Tottenham.

Their opponents, Aston Villa, enter the weekend unbeaten in 21 home games across all competitions and Champions League quarter-final run last term.

Villa have won five of their last six home meetings with Newcastle, including a 4-1 victory in April.

What Eddie Howe said about the Isak saga?

Speaking to the BBC, Howe admitted the uncertainty around Isak has affected Newcastle’s morale.

“I don’t think it’s been healthy for us,” he said.

“I don’t deny that’s been a big challenge. Alex, for me, is one of the best strikers in the world – if not the best.

To miss him from your squad leaves a huge gap. I think morale was certainly affected early on during pre-season. There was nothing I could do to affect that – it was always going to be there.”

“When you have a player that good who is not part of your group, it’s difficult for the players to fully understand it and to know what’s going on and how to react,” Howe continued.

“But, as time has gone on, there has been an acceptance this is the squad and we have got to make the best of the situation.

That’s always been my train of thought. Whatever situation you’re in, you have got to find a way and you can only control what you can control.

We have moved forward and I’ve got to say the atmosphere of the group has been very good in the last couple of weeks.”

Isak’s absence stems from Liverpool’s interest, which began a month ago but did not lead to a formal bid until recently.

The striker has not trained fully since July 19, when he reportedly refused to play in a friendly at Celtic or join Newcastle’s Asia tour.

Liverpool’s reported £110m [$149m] offer fell short of Newcastle’s £150m [$203m] asking price.

There has been multiple reports with the Tyneside making it clear to the Reds that Swedish international is not for sale but according to few reports, the Magpies could consider sale if the valuation is met and they find a suitable replacement.

With Callum Wilson gone and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa targeted, Newcastle’s striking depth is already thin.

The Isak situation, unresolved with less than three weeks left in the transfer window, looms over a squad looking to keep pace at the Premier League’s top end.