Eddie Howe has made it very clear that Newcastle United must not sell their best players, and that includes Alexander Isak.
The Toon boss will be aiming to kick on further next season, and that will be incredibly difficult if players like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak depart.
Fortunately, it looks like they are currently going to stay put. Bruno’s £100million release clause has now expired, which means Newcastle now have a bit more control over his future.
As for Isak, he has stated in an interview that he is happy at the club, while Newcastle found a solution to their PSR problem without having to cash in on someone like the 24-year-old.
It was an option though, and Chelsea did test the water with a move for the Swedish striker. However, there was an acceptance that the Blues could not afford Isak, while Howe was adamant that his number 14 could not leave the club.
Selling Alexander Isak was a non-starter for Eddie Howe
It is vital that Newcastle keep Isak, as he is an elite goalscorer who the club believe can go on to become one of the best in the world in his position.
To get where Newcastle want to be, they need players like him, and Howe has been reinforcing that to Toon officials during transfer discussions in recent months.
That is according to the Athletic, who report that during recruitment discussions Howe has been of the belief that Newcastle can give up on challenging near the top of the Premier League if they consider letting Isak leave the club.
The Athletic add that Toon officials are aware that it would take an ‘extortionate fee’ to sign a replacement who is just as good, and would instead have to gamble on a prospect with the potential to reach that level.
Newcastle need players like Isak to achieve their goals
While there has been a desperation to sell, it is encouraging to see that Newcastle are defiant in their desire to keep Isak on Tyneside.
That defiance should lead to a new contract, with the forward in talks to extend his stay at St James’ Park.
Isak is the real deal. Goalscorers like him do not come around often, which is why it is vital that Newcastle retain him. He has the potential to be world class, while some will argue that he already is.
With 25 goals in all competitions last season, it is not worth considering where the Magpies would have finished had it not been for Isak’s efforts in front of goal. And Howe will hope for more of the same in 2024/25, as Newcastle aim to get back into Europe.
In the long run, Newcastle want to consistently compete in the Champions League and challenge for honours. You need players like Isak to do that, which is why selling the Swede would have been a major step in the wrong direction.
Fortunately, Newcastle and Howe are standing firm, while Isak is happy at Newcastle United.
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