Alexander Isak has been omitted from Newcastle United’s 30-man squad for their Far East tour, fueling speculation over a potential move to Liverpool.
The Sweden international is absent as he recovers from a minor thigh injury that forced him to miss Newcastle’s 4-0 friendly defeat to Celtic last weekend.
The Magpies’ squad will face Arsenal in Singapore, followed by matches against a K-League All-Star team and Tottenham Hotspur in South Korea, but Isak will not be traveling.
His absence has intensified interest in his future, with Liverpool maintaining a long-standing pursuit of the striker.
Despite recently completing a £69million signing of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are still seeking additional reinforcements up front.
Isak, who netted 27 goals in 42 appearances last season, is viewed as a key target to bolster their attacking options.
Liverpool are closely monitoring developments surrounding the 25-year-old, although Newcastle would reportedly demand a fee in the region of £120 million to even consider selling.
The club remains adamant Isak will stay put during this transfer window, and talks over a lucrative contract extension – initially discussed last year – are yet to be finalised.
“Newcastle United have announced the first team squad that has departed for the club’s 2025 Asia Tour,” a club statement read.
“The Magpies are on their way to Singapore, where they will face Arsenal on Sunday as part of their pre-season preparations. They will then travel to South Korea to face a K-League All-Star team and Tottenham Hotspur.
“Eddie Howe has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, however Alexander Isak misses out with a minor thigh injury.
“Lewis Hall is available following an injury lay-off and could feature in South Korea.”
Under the leadership of manager Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, Liverpool are undergoing a significant squad overhaul following their record-equalling 20th league title last season.
The recent signing of Ekitike has pushed Liverpool’s summer spending beyond £250million.
This total includes club-record £116million acquisition Florian Wirtz, £29million Jeremie Frimpong, £40million Milos Kerkez, and £1.5million combined for goalkeepers Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman.
Additionally, £29million goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, whose move from Valencia was agreed last August, has also joined the squad.
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