Alexander Isak: Why Liverpool Target Will Miss Newcastle's Pre-season Tour

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been ruled out of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia due to a minor thigh injury just days after manager Eddie Howe assured fans the Swedish star would be traveling with the squad.

The absence of the 25-year-old forward, who scored 27 goals in 42 appearances last season, has sparked concern and speculation among supporters, particularly as Liverpool’s interest in the player intensifies.

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Eddie Howe’s recent comments now stand in sharp contrast to the 30-man squad list released by Newcastle, which officially confirmed Isak’s omission due to injury.

The announcement comes in the wake of Newcastle's 4-0 pre-season defeat to Celtic, a match Isak also missed.

While the club maintains the injury is minor and insists the player is not for sale, the timing has fueled fresh rumors of a possible exit, especially given Liverpool’s known interest.

The Reds recently signed French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, a player Newcastle had once pursued.

Despite that acquisition, according to BBC Sports, it has been reported that Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak may have been encouraged by behind-the-scenes signals.

With a profile that fits Arne Slot's attacking philosophy, Isak remains a hot topic in the transfer market.

Howe sought to reassure fans after the Celtic loss, saying, “Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves his teammates, the staff, and the team. I've never had any issues with him.”

However, the manager also acknowledged that nothing is guaranteed in football, noting the challenges of making firm predictions about any player's future.

Newcastle’s pre-season fixtures include a high-profile clash against Arsenal in Singapore on July 27, a match against the K-League All-Stars on July 30, and a final test versus Tottenham in South Korea on August 3

Whether Isak’s absence is simply a precaution or the beginning of a bigger story remains to be seen.