With the new Premier League campaign on the horizon, the speculation surrounding Alexander Isak's future at Newcastle United has escalated. The club's opening match against Aston Villa on 16 August is set, but Newcastle's preparations remain incomplete, having signed only one player this summer—Anthony Elanga—while their star striker appears determined to depart.
Isak has been training with his former club, Real Sociedad, as he recovers from a "minor thigh injury," despite being contracted to Newcastle until 2026. The Magpies face a critical decision: whether to retain the 25-year-old or navigate a potential exit. Manager Eddie Howe emphasized that Isak is still under contract, stating, "He's still our player... my wish is that he stays, but that's not in my full control."
Since joining Newcastle in 2021 for £60m, Isak has become a pivotal figure, scoring 50 Premier League goals in three seasons—surpassing his expected goals (xG) by 3.3. His contributions were instrumental in securing European qualification and the League Cup triumph, ending the club's 70-year trophy drought. Analyst Matthew Raisbeck of BBC Radio Newcastle called him "Newcastle's best striker since Alan Shearer," highlighting his role in iconic moments like the Wembley final.
However, the striker's reported desire to leave has sparked frustration among fans. "We've just had an amazing season... but this summer feels like a nightmare," said Lee Johnson of the True Faith podcast. Former defender Steve Howey added, "He's on unbelievable money, has won silverware, and is in the Champions League—leaving would be disappointing."
Newcastle's transfer strategy has been hampered by a lack of key leadership, including a permanent director of football and chief executive, alongside financial constraints from Profit and Sustainability Rules. While targets like Brentford's Yoane Wissa and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko have been linked, the club's slow progress has raised concerns. A potential £150m sale of Isak could provide much-needed funds to strengthen the squad, but the timing of any departure remains crucial.
Despite the uncertainty, Newcastle's ownership has invested heavily since 2021, aiming to elevate the club. Raisbeck noted, "Newcastle need to become better at selling players," a challenge that could test their strategy as they weigh the impact of losing their talisman on both the pitch and the dressing room.
Media caption: "I hope Isak stays—Howe."
To play this video, enable JavaScript in your browser. This video cannot be played.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment
Be the first to comment on this article!