Why Alexander Isak In High Demand: Interested Clubs And Newcastle’s Chances Of Keeping Him

Newcastle striker, Alexander Isak, is in exceptional form, making him one of the most sought-after talents in European football.

The 25-year-old Sweden international scored his 13th goal of the season in Monday night’s 2-0 win at Manchester United amid continued speculation over his future.

In this article, sportxparte offers an in-depth examination of the Magpies’ £63 million record signing.

Where is he from?

Stockholm-born Isak, who is of Eritrean heritage, arrived at St James’ Park in August 2022 as a 22-year-old, but with a wealth of experience already under his belt.

He started his professional career at AIK Solna and had brief stints with Borussia Dortmund in Germany and Willem II in the Netherlands.

However, he truly made a name for himself in Spain with Real Sociedad, where he scored 16 goals in his first season and followed it up with 17 goals in his second.

What is his impact on Tyneside?

Remarkably, despite facing an injury-plagued first season in which he still contributed to Newcastle’s impressive fourth-place finish, Isak became the first player to surpass the 20-goal mark in a Premier League season for the Magpies since Alan Shearer.

He ended the 2023-24 campaign with a total of 25 goals in all competitions.

After a slow start, he has continued in much the same vein this term, leading the line with a potent combination of pace, intelligent movement, deft skill, and devastating finishing.

What is his current form?

Far from ideal, Isak’s return of just one goal in his first seven matches of the season highlighted both his struggle to find his form and a broader issue as Newcastle stumbled through the initial weeks of the campaign.

However, since he found his groove, he has never looked back, He has scored 12 goals in 13 games in all competitions and 11 in as many league outings, including a first hat-trick for the club in a 4-0 win at Ipswich on December 21.

Which clubs has he been linked to?

Arsenal had been monitoring Isak’s progress when Newcastle made their move in 2022, and as his reputation has soared since he arrived in England, the club has continued to be linked with him in transfer rumors.

Chelsea, too, and more speculatively Paris St Germain, against whom he scored in last season’s Champions League, have also been credited with an interest in him at various points.

What is the status of his contract?

Isak signed a six-year deal when he joined Newcastle and remains under contract until the summer of 2028.

Ideally, they would like to extend his contract further, similar to what they have accomplished with Bruno Guimarães, Anthony Gordon, and Joelinton.

However, navigating the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules has made this process more complex.

Nevertheless, they find themselves in a position of strength, and it would take an offer significantly in excess of £100million. One report has suggested as much as £150million to even consider a sale.

What has been said?

Head coach Eddie Howe has consistently stated that the club has no plans to sell its top players. In response to claims that talks over a new deal have stalled, Isak himself has addressed the rumors.

Speaking to the Swedish media recently, he said, “The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumors often come out. Much of what I read is not true, so that’s about all I can say about the whole thing.”