Howe on Isak: "Now you have to earn the right to train with us"

Eddie Howe has made it clear — there are standards at Newcastle United, and Alexander Isak is no exception. The manager has delivered a strong message from Seoul, making it known that any player hoping to rejoin the squad must prove they deserve to be there.

Isak, currently pushing for a move to Liverpool, raised eyebrows last week after he unexpectedly traveled to Spain to train at his former club, Real Sociedad — without informing Howe or the club. This came shortly after the striker withdrew from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East, citing a thigh problem. However, scans later revealed no sign of injury.

Now, with his camp waiting on Liverpool to return with a fresh offer following Friday’s rejected 110 million bid, Isak’s situation remains tense. Sources close to the matter suggest the Reds will make another attempt — but only after Newcastle secure a viable replacement.

Before flying home from South Korea on Sunday, Howe addressed the situation directly, defending the club’s values and approach in the face of Isak’s actions.

Isak’s destiny depends on Manchester United

Asked about the striker’s status, Howe didn’t hold back: “You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility here to be part of a team and part of a squad - you have to act in the right way. So that is also at play here. We will make sure that any player does that to earn the right to train with the group. No player can expect to act poorly and train with the group as normal.’”