Newcastle Star Alexander Isak's Future Hinges on European Ambitions
Newcastle United are prepared to honor a "gentleman's agreement" with star striker Alexander Isak if they fail to meet their season goals, amid growing interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Swedish forward has been in sensational form this season, netting 21 goals and providing five assists across 30 appearances in all competitions. His impressive displays, including goals against Arsenal in both the Premier League and Carabao Cup, have only heightened interest from top clubs.
Despite growing speculation surrounding his future, Newcastle are determined to keep their prized asset and will not let him leave without a significant fight. The Magpies are expected to set an asking price of around £150 million should they be forced into negotiations, while also working on securing Isak's long-term future with an improved contract beyond his current deal, which runs until 2028.
Former England and Liverpool forward Emile Heskey previously suggested that Newcastle's ability to secure Champions League football could be a decisive factor in Isak's future. He hinted that there might be an unwritten agreement between the club and the player, allowing him to leave if they fail to finish in the top four.
However, Bolo Zenden, a former Sunderland and Netherlands midfielder, has a different perspective on the situation. He believes that Isak may not necessarily require Champions League football to remain content at Newcastle. Speaking to Beste Legale Online Casino, Zenden explained that even participation in the Europa League could be enough to convince the striker to stay.
"That's a difficult one to be honest because we know Isak, he came from Spain," he said. "Did he play Champions League football in Spain? So it's not like it's something that he really needs. Is he performing? Yes, of course. 19 goals, 5 assists [in the Premier League]. He's making a name for himself up in the north east. The Geordies are loving him, I'm sure."
"So I don't think they need to play in the Champions League in order to keep him. As long as they play in Europe, that will probably be enough for Isak. But with his stats, it's more likely that a bigger team will come along and try to persuade him to make a move."
While both Arsenal and Liverpool are rumoured to be preparing summer bids, Zenden warned that adapting to a new system at a possession-heavy team could be challenging for Isak.
"Is he more likely to want to move on if the likes of Arsenal or Liverpool come for him? That would be another step up for the player and an opportunity to try and prove yourself on another level, with new expectations," he argued.
"Isak, he's a handful, a threat. He scores goals from either left or right. He's got a lot of pace, but he has played in teams that were not always playing that possession game. So, if he moves to a team that dominates the game, where the spaces are getting very tight, it's not particularly easy for a player like him. That would definitely ask something different from him. But there are certain teams that could fit the bill for Isak in the Premier League."
The Swiss forward will get to audition for a move to the Merseyside on Wednesday evening when Newcastle travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a crunch Premier League encounter.
