Newcastle United already know their next major player decision after £85m agreement
Two down, one to go?
Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak are widely regarded as the crown jewels of Newcastle United’s squad. Both Gordon and Guimaraes have been rewarded with a new contract in the last 12 months, you can even include Joelinton too - so it’s only right Alexander Isak is next.
On his day, it’s no exaggeration to claim the Sweden international is one of the best strikers in the world, and only second to Erling Haaland in the Premier League. Some might argue Isak is better, though the two are very different centre forwards.
After finding the net 25 times last season, Isak’s value has exceeded the £100million mark. There are still four years left on the contract he penned when he joined for a club-record £63million two years ago, but he is an major asset that needs protecting and handled with care.
Clubs continue to sniff around Isak with Arsenal and Chelsea known to be big admirers. In that sense, Newcastle, of course, hold the cards and only a mammoth offer would be considered - but it’s important the club underline their commitment to the player.
Admittedly, the former Borussia Dortmund man hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders at the start of the new campaign, neither before or the game after - the 1-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion - returning from a broken toe.
Form is temporary, class is permanent and Isak is certainly the latter. There is nothing to suggest Isak is unsettled at Newcastle, but reaffirming his significance to the club and how he their ambitions lie wouldn’t go amiss.