Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has laid down the law on striker Alexander Isak, insisting the Swedish international must "earn the right" to train with the squad following a turbulent few weeks surrounding his future.

The 25-year-old forward, who was the club's top scorer last season, has been training alone at former club Real Sociedad after being excluded from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to what was officially described as a "minor thigh injury." However, behind the scenes, doubts over his long-term commitment to the club have only grown.

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Tensions escalated last Friday when Liverpool submitted a £110 million offer for Isak, a bid that was swiftly rejected by Newcastle United. Despite interest from the Merseyside club, it appears their pursuit may now be cooling.

Speaking after the Magpies’ 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in Seoul, Howe admitted he had yet to hold discussions with Isak following the bid. “He’s like any other player—we expect him to come in and train as normal,” he told local media. However, he emphasised that Isak would not simply walk back into the squad without proving himself first.

“You have to earn the right to train with us. We are Newcastle United. The player has a responsibility to the team and to the club. You must act in the right way, and that’s part of this situation too,” added Howe.

With the striker returning to the training ground earlier this week, Howe was firm in his stance. “No player can expect to behave poorly and then carry on as if nothing has happened. If someone wants to be part of this squad, they must show professionalism and commitment.”

It’s clear that Howe is intent on maintaining discipline and unity within the squad, regardless of a player's profile or transfer value. Isak’s decision to train away from the group—along with his apparent desire to leave—appears to have tested the limits of the manager’s patience.

Isak was one of Newcastle's standout performers last season, netting an impressive 27 goals in 42 appearances. He played a pivotal role in helping the club secure a Champions League spot by finishing fifth in the Premier League, and also scored in the EFL Cup final victory over Liverpool.

Yet, despite his on-field success, this summer has been marked by off-field drama. BBC Sport reported in July that Isak had expressed an interest in exploring options away from Tyneside. His omission from the Asia tour—initially downplayed as precautionary—has since taken on a different light amid the swirling speculation.

Following the rebuff of their opening bid, sources suggest Liverpool may now step away from the deal. Having already signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million, the Reds could be shifting their focus elsewhere.

Even so, the fallout continues to unfold, with club legend Alan Shearer adding his voice to the situation on The Rest Is Football podcast.

“I thought he might stay another season and then this would happen next summer,” said Shearer. “If he can’t be persuaded to remain and a club meets Newcastle’s valuation, you take the deal. You say thank you for what he’s done and move on.”

While Shearer sympathised with Isak’s potential ambitions, he backed the club to stand firm. “I understand the mentality behind wanting to leave. Do I like it? Not really. Do I get it? Yes,” he continued.

“If Eddie can’t change his mind, and it sounds like that’s where we’re at, then I’d rather we sold him now for top money, brought someone else in, and moved on. No individual is bigger than any football club.”

The Isak saga comes amid a challenging summer for Newcastle United in the transfer market. Despite links to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, the Magpies have so far failed to secure their top attacking targets. Even Shearer branded the club’s window a “mess.”

As the new season looms, the club faces growing pressure to resolve Isak’s situation swiftly and decisively. Whether that means reintegrating the Swede back into the squad or selling him for a record fee remains to be seen.

With less than a month to go before the Premier League season begins, the ball is now in Isak’s court. Will he recommit to Newcastle and earn back his place under Howe, or will the club cash in and move forward without him?

Either way, Newcastle United find themselves at a critical juncture, with their star striker’s future hanging in the balance and the clock ticking on a successful resolution.

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