Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has issued a scathing warning to wantaway striker Alexander Isak, stating that players cannot "perform poorly" and still expect to train with the team.
Speaking in Seoul, the manager delivered a blunt message: if the Swedish forward returns to training, he must "earn the right" to rejoin the squad in the coming days.
Last week, Isak flew to Spain to use his former club Real Sociedad’s training facilities without informing Howe or the club—after pulling out of the team’s Far East tour citing a thigh injury, which subsequent scans revealed did not exist.
Isak and his representatives are pushing for a move to Liverpool, awaiting a improved bid from the Premier League champions after their £110 million offer was rejected on Friday.
Newcastle acknowledge a sale could happen, but only once progress is made on securing a replacement.
Asked if the 25-year-old would train this week, Howe said: "You have to earn the right to train with us.
"We’re Newcastle United. Players have a responsibility to be part of this group and this squad—you have to conduct yourself the right way. That’s what we do.
"We’ll ensure any player does that to earn the right to train. No one can expect to perform poorly and just carry on training as normal."
Howe revealed he hadn’t spoken to Isak since the player returned to Tyneside on Saturday, but expects him to report for training later this week.
As of Sunday evening, Newcastle are still awaiting a response from RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, the 22-year-old forward who is their top target.
Negotiations with the Bundesliga club over a £70 million deal are ongoing, though the player’s personal preference—and interest from Manchester United—will shape his future.
Progress is expected this week on a move for Brentford’s 28-year-old striker Yoan Wissa, but a younger forward is needed to replace Isak.
