Newcastle United have touched down in South Korea as their preseason tour moves into its next phase with a midweek clash on July 30 against a K-League XI on the horizon.
The mood within the Magpies camp remains mixed following a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal in Singapore on Sunday [July 27], a result that has done little to lift the uncertainty surrounding their star striker, Alexander Isak.
Speaking before the match, manager Eddie Howe and defender Dan Burn addressed the media, fielding questions about the forward’s uncertain situation.
Isak, who scored 27 goals across all competitions last season, has openly expressed his desire to leave the club this summer, amid strong interest from Liverpool.
Reports have suggested that a £120m [$160m] offer could be on the table, but Howe was quick to stress that Newcastle have yet to receive any formal bid.
“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him.
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I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. We’ve received no formal offer from any football club for him,” Howe said.
“My wish is that he stays and we see him play again next year, but that’s not in my full control,” he added.
With Isak’s future unresolved, Newcastle are also working to strengthen another key position.
Howe stays coy but praises Ramsdale in potential reunion
According to BBC, Newcastle have opened talks with Southampton to sign England international Aaron Ramsdale, either on loan or in a permanent deal.
Howe, speaking in the same press conference, Eddie Howe was cautious yet complimentary about the 27-year-old he once managed at Bournemouth.
“As always with me, you’re going to get a very straight answer back,” he said.
“Obviously Aaron is someone that I know very well and I’ve worked with previously, but I’m not going to discuss the chances of him coming to us.”
“Obviously Aaron is someone that I know very well and I’ve worked with previously, but I’m not going to discuss the chances of him coming to us” 💬
Eddie Howe on the possibility of Newcastle signing goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale 🧤 pic.twitter.com/e1pCkROk6c
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 29, 2025
Southampton, who were relegated last season with 12 points, reportedly prefer a permanent sale after paying Arsenal an initial £18m [$24m] for Ramsdale in 2024.
He made 30 Premier League appearances last season and would compete with first-choice Nick Pope if signed.
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