Following Callum Wilson’s exit and the failure to sign Joao Pedro or Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle have been left alarmingly short up top. Remove Isak and they appear toothless, which is unnerving given his durability will be tested across 2025-26 with the additional demands of Champions League football.

Newcastle are beaten 4-0 by Celtic in their first pre-season fixture, with striker Alexander Isak left out of the Magpies squad.

Despite the scoreline, Howe insists there were positives to draw from the friendly. The manager said, "I know everybody will be down on the performance but there was some good stuff in there as well.