As Newcastle United kicks off its preseason tour in Singapore, the buzz isn’t just about who’s on the pitch—it’s also about who’s missing.
Star striker Alexander Isak stayed behind in Tyneside, officially due to a thigh injury, but the bigger story is the swirling speculation that he wants out.
And now, for the first time, his teammates are addressing the situation.
Guimaraes and Burn Break the Silence
Club captain Bruno Guimaraes and vice-captain Dan Burn have finally spoken publicly about the Isak drama, acknowledging that the Swedish striker is going through a “rough moment.”
Speaking from the team’s base at the Pan Pacific hotel, both players struck a calm and respectful tone.
Burn made it clear they can only focus on what’s within their power.
“That’s a question for Alex,” he said when asked if he could understand Isak’s desire to move on.
“We can just control what we can control.”
Burn also pointed out that the squad still has depth, especially with the recent arrival of Anthony Elanga.
“I think bringing Anthony in was a great signing,” he added.
Isak’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
Mail Sport reported exclusively that Isak has told the Newcastle hierarchy he wants to leave this summer.
Liverpool, apparently, is circling with a potential British record bid in the works.
Although the club has stated that Isak stayed behind due to injury, some teammates reportedly believe his absence may signal the end of his time in black and white.
Newcastle is said to be holding out for a hefty £150 million if they are to let their star striker go.
Burn confirmed Isak hadn’t trained recently, noting, “He has a thigh issue that’s been ongoing since the first few days back.”
Guimaraes Stays Supportive But Focused
Guimaraes, who described himself as close to Isak, offered a compassionate but pragmatic view.
“He’s a good guy, and he’s been through some rough things,” the Brazilian midfielder said. “But I’m focused on the players who are here.
The club will decide what happens with him.”
He also expressed hope that Isak would recover in time for the start of the new season, saying, “We need him ready as soon as possible.”
The Push for More Signings
Beyond the Isak situation, both Guimaraes and Burn emphasized the need for squad reinforcements before the new campaign begins.
So far, Newcastle’s only new signing is Elanga—but there’s a shared belief that more arrivals are on the horizon.
“We’re still in the market and looking at new options,” Guimaraes said, while praising Elanga’s early performances in training: “He’s surprised me a lot—unbelievable.”
Guimaraes also hinted at his personal drive to see the club grow: “Since I signed, I’ve always had ambition.
If I lose that, I’ll just go back to Brazil!” he joked. “Luckily, I think the club shares that ambition.”
Burn: It’s All About Focus
Burn echoed that sentiment, adding that keeping the squad fresh with new talent is always welcome.
But once again, he circled back to the main message of the day: focus.
“For us as a team, as staff and players, it’s all about controlling what we can control,” Burn said firmly.
