The rest of the world is waking up to what Newcastle United fans have long understood. Alexander Isak is a world-class striker who competes at the top level.
However, in a day where every player has a price and the strains of financial fair play increasingly force clubs to sell in order to purchase, Newcastle simply cannot afford to let him go, even for a large fee. Of course, no single player is more important than the club, and while Eddie Howe does not want any of his top players to leave, the reality is that a large offer may result in two or three new arrivals.
Newcastle are not alone in this position. Even Liverpool (Mane, Fabinho), Manchester City (Palmer, Mahrez, Sterling, Sane, Laporte), and Tottenham (Kane) have let players leave before making roster adjustments. The difference for United is that they are still constructing and lack the depth to handle without some important players.
Nobody wants to see talents like Bruno Guimaraes leave St James’ Park, but there is at least one argument for how Newcastle should reinvest the money. There are no guarantees, but turning a £60 million profit and then purchasing two £30 million-rated players may be beneficial.
Aside from one major feature, Isak may be described similarly. This season, the 24-year-old has demonstrated that he possesses one of the most uncommon qualities. He is a goal scorer, and if you locate one, you want to keep him for as long as possible.
Alan Shearer, who knows how to score goals at the highest level, said it best this week when discussing Isak’s future. “They’re sat on a great asset and it would be absolutely bonkers if Newcastle, for whatever reason, sold him in the summer,” he told Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast. “It’s really difficult to get goalscorers and he is one of the best, and they love him and rightly so.”
Quite put, Isak has everything. He may not possess the predatory instincts of a classic No 9, but he checks practically every box. He possesses speed, talent, the ability to run with the ball, a calmness in front of goal that often defies belief, and the intelligence to find space in the most congested of environments.
Just look at the statistics. Isak has 19 Premier League goals in his 29 appearances this season, and with four games remaining, few would bet against him reaching 20 goals. If he scores against Brighton, he will extend his goal-scoring streak at St James’ Park to eight games.
For context, Isak is far ahead of some of his high-paying Premier League rivals. Darwin Nunez of Liverpool has 11, Richarlison of Tottenham, and Niclas Jackson of Chelsea have 10. Rasmus Hojlund may have a bright career ahead of him, but the Manchester United newcomer has only eight goals in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Some seasoned Premier League players are even further behind. Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus (four) and Eddie Nketiah (five) are not even halfway to Isak’s tally, while Marcus Rashford has seven, Dominic Calvert-Lewin six, and Raul Jimenez only five.
Ivan Toney appears to be in line for a big-money move this summer, but despite the fact that his season was delayed by his suspension, the former Newcastle starlet has only scored four goals in 15 appearances since returning. Not a horrible ratio, but not close to Isak’s.
The Swede is also improving. Despite being injured in his first year with Newcastle, he managed to score 10 goals in 27 games, which was a decent return. Consistency is the hallmark of true class, of course, but he has demonstrated that this is not a one-season wonder.
Newcastle United have lofty objectives. Retaining and growing the club around Isak – and Anthony Gordon – is the greatest approach to realise their goals and make their aspirations a reality.
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