Eddie howe reveals why he sent Alexander Isak home from pre-season match

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe made the decision to send forward Alexander Isak home from the pre-season match against Celtic. This move was directly attributed by Howe to “speculation around him,” specifically concerning a potential transfer away from the club.

Howe clarified that it was his personal decision, emphasizing that he felt it would be unfair for Isak to remain at the game and simply watch from the stands while intense transfer rumors continued to circulate. The speculation has been particularly strong, with media reports frequently linking the Swedish international striker to a move to Liverpool.

Despite the ongoing rumors, Howe’s action suggests an effort to manage the situation and protect the player from external pressures. The incident highlights the constant scrutiny and disruptive nature of transfer speculation, even during pre-season preparations, and underscores the manager’s role in mitigating its impact on the squad. Isak’s future at St. James’ Park remains a topic of considerable discussion following this event.