New Delhi: Newcastle United will start their Premier League campaign against Aston Villa at Villa Park in Birmingham on Saturday, August 16. The Magpies will look to make a strong start to the season after a disappointing summer transfer window, where many of their prime targets refused to join the club despite offering huge wages and Champions League football.
Alexander Isak remains unavailable for selection for the opening game of the season amid ongoing uncertainty over his future at the club. The striker is a key target for Liverpool, and he also wants to explore his options in the market. He has been training away from the Newcastle squad.
According to the Athletic report, the Magpies have already rejected a formal bid from Liverpool for the Sweden striker. He also missed Newcastle United’s preseason tour of Asia and is interested in joining the current Premier League champions.
Eddie Howe-side have tried to make him stay with an improved contract, which would have included a release clause next summer. The club also encouraged him to stay, through his senior teammates, but the striker has not changed his stance.
He joined Newcastle for £60 million in 2022 after spending three years at Real Sociedad and scored 23 goals in the Premier League last season. The striker still has three years remaining on his contract.
‘Alex’s situation has been unchanged for a while’: Eddie Howe
In the pre-match press conference, Eddie Howe said that Alex’s situation has been unchanged for a while, and it will continue to be the case. He also talked about the club’s pre-season and said that it was challenging for them, given the absence of the star striker.
“But I think the players are really strong mentally, they are a really tight group, they have really come together in the latter stages of preseason. The situation is not ideal, but they realize without Alex, everyone has to step up and give more,” Howe added.