Eddie Howe has clarified his stance on Alexander Isak’s future as transfer rumors swirl ahead of the summer window. The Swedish striker, whose contract with Newcastle United runs until June 2028, has been instrumental in the club’s success this season, scoring 22 goals and providing six assists in 31 Premier League appearances. Isak’s contributions have been pivotal in Newcastle’s rise to third place in the league and their Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. With Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta reportedly interested in bolstering his attacking options, Isak has emerged as a potential target.
Eddie Howe said: “He’s not for sale from my perspective. I want to build a squad, I want the strongest squad possible for next season. There is a lot to look forward to here, hopefully. The end of the season is crucial for us. I think that we have a strong squad and, if we can add players for the first time in a few windows, that will make a massive, massive difference for us. That’s what I’m focusing on, not the other way around.”
Howe added: “We want to keep our best players. I think I’ve made that very clear. That’s not just the wish from me, that’s the wish from everyone at the club. I don’t have a crystal ball. I can’t sit here and say what’s going to happen. I can only say what my determination is, and that’s to build a team, the best team possible and to do that you can’t consistently lose your best players.”
Alexander Isak said: “This club can achieve great things. I think we should really look at it one season at a time and, this season, we can achieve winning a trophy which would be amazing for everyone. About my future, it’s nothing really I think about. I’ve said many times during a season – just focus on the job – and now is probably the worst time to think about anything else.”
Asked if he was open to signing a new contract this summer, Isak replied: “I’ve already said I’m not really thinking about the summer but, yes, that’ll probably be a talking point once the season is finished.”
Howe’s comments underscore Newcastle’s ambition to retain their top talents as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season. Isak’s focus remains on the present, highlighting his commitment to the club’s current objectives rather than future speculation. While Arsenal’s interest in the striker is indicative of his rising profile, Howe’s firm stance suggests that Newcastle is keen to maintain their core group of players as they continue to build on their recent successes.
