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.

Relive all the best moments from Saturday's emphatic 4-0 victory over English League Cup winners, Newcastle United, where the Hoops delivered a dominant performance at Paradise. Arne Engels, Johnny

Dan Burn did not hold back. Speaking while on international tour duty, the Newcastle defender laid bare how crucial Alexander Isak is to Eddie Howe’s project. With Liverpool circling and speculation reaching fever pitch, Burn captured the mood inside the camp: one of apprehension and unease, shared by a recent report by GOAL.COM.

Two of last season's top-five finishers in the Premier League meet Sunday at Singapore National Stadium in Kallang, as Arsenal and Newcastle United clash well away from the United Kingdom.

However, it was Arsenal's 15-year-old academy products, midfielder Max Downman and centre-back Marli Salmon, who also impressed with their cameos and were the main subject of Arteta's post-match press conference, with the mood surrounding the club fairly postive.

In front of 10,000 away fans in Celtic Park, the Magpies were 2-0 down at half-time before Eddie Howe introduced new signing Anthony Elanga for his first appearance as one of nine half-time changes.

The Brazil international almost played down the transfer request side of a tough situation while Blyth lad Burn admitted any exit would "upset" the group. The bombshell has rocked Newcastle's pre-season plans but the players are focused on bouncing back from the 4-0 defeat at Celtic.

Newcastle United began their preseason campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Celtic, as Kieran Tierney made his long-awaited return at Celtic Park.