Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe is "confident" striker Alexander Isak will start the 2025/26 season at St James' Park after the Sweden international was left out of Saturday's 4-0 pre-season friendly defeat at Celtic.
Isak has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer, with Liverpool one of the clubs linked with the forward, who scored 23 goals for Newcastle last season.
"I think it's difficult for me to give 100 per cent clarity on any player," Howe told Sky Sports, when asked about Isak's future after the defeat at Celtic Park.
"I'd never sit here and do that because it's football and you never know what can happen.
"All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle. He loves the players he plays with, the staff, the team and I've never had any issue with him.
"I'm confident he's going to be here at the start of the season."
Howe reflects on Saturday's loss
Eddie Howe reflects on this afternoon's pre-season friendly in Glasgow. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/CS1Pxp6VLc
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 19, 2025
Isak, along with Brazil midfielder Joelinton, both missed Saturday's defeat "to have their minutes managed" according to the club's official website, with Howe's side well beaten by the Scottish champions.
The match gave Newcastle fans a first opportunity to see new signing Anthony Elanga, who came on during the second half with his side already 2-0 down.
Elanga could get some more minutes under his belt when Newcastle face Arsenal in their next pre-season match on 27 July, in Singapore.