Alexander Isak is still reportedly upset after Newcastle United blocked his move to Liverpool but manager Eddie Howe insists the club is ready to welcome him back.
Isak has been at the center of a transfer saga this summer. His desire to join Liverpool hasn't materialized, with Newcastle rejecting a £110 million bid from the Reds. While Liverpool are said to be preparing a revised offer, they're unlikely to proceed unless Newcastle signals a willingness to let him go.
So far, the Magpies remain reluctant to part ways with their star striker largely due to the difficulty of finding a suitable replacement. Even before the Isak situation unfolded, the club had already faced setbacks in their pursuit of other forwards, including failed attempts to sign Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, and Benjamin Sesko.
As things stand, the situation remains at a standstill. Isak is pushing for an exit, while Newcastle are standing firm. The Swedish striker is under contract until 2028 but has reportedly refused to play, a standoff that’s beginning to impact the squad's focus and performance.
Despite the ongoing tension, Eddie Howe remains optimistic about reintegrating Isak into the team. He also believes the dressing room would have no issue welcoming him back.
"Yes, absolutely. He's under contract, he’s our player," Howe told the BBC. "My hope was that he'd play for us on Monday night, but that won’t happen and that’s disappointing."
"I have no doubt about how the players feel. They'll be thinking the same as me Alex is a fantastic player, a great person, and a good lad."
"If Alex wants to come back and play for us again, the players will be happy to have him."
