Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United future may not actually be decided by whether the club qualifies for next season’s Champions League.
Isak, 25, has become one of the most in-demand strikers in Europe, with both Arsenal and Liverpool being linked with the Sweden international ahead of the summer transfer window. Isak has been in sensational form this season, netting 21 goals and providing five assists in 30 appearances across all competitions, including strikes against the north Londoners in Newcastle’s Premier League and Carabao Cup victories.
His eye-catching performances have led many to believe his departure is inevitable, but the Magpies are expected to demand a hefty £150million fee while still looking to extend his contract beyond 2028.
But while correctly predicting that Newcastle would not let their talisman leave in the January transfer window, Emile Heskey previously stated that the club’s ability to secure a return to Champions League football will be a deciding factor in whether Isak leaves. The former Liverpool and England striker even hinted at a possible ‘gentleman’s agreement’ being in place, allowing Isak to leave St. James’ Park in the summer if the club fails to qualify.
However, former Chelsea and Sunderland midfielder Bolo Zenden has now weighed in, claiming that missing out on Europe’s elite club competition may not be a deal-breaker for Isak. Zenden suggested playing European football in any capacity, such as the Europa League, may be sufficient, while stating that Isak may even struggle to hit the same heights at Arsenal or Liverpool.
Speaking to Beste Legale Online Casino, Zenden said: “That’s a difficult one to be honest because we know Isak, he came from Spain. 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.
“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.
“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.”
(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Newcastle still stand a good chance of sealing Champions League qualification, as the number of qualifying English clubs may extend from four to five thanks to favourable coefficient rankings for the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s men currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, level with faltering Manchester City on 44 points with 12 matches left.
Meanwhile, Newcastle – who didn’t have any European football this season – are only one match away from qualifying for the Europa League anyway, given they face a Carabao Cup final with Liverpool next month, where that would be the additional prize for winning the trophy. In the league, the Toon also have third-placed Nottingham Forest firmly in their sights off the back of Sunday’s 4-3 win over them, where Isak scored twice. Forest are now only three points in front and are only one goal better on goal difference.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long been an admirer of Isak and attempted to sign him from Real Sociedad in 2022, before eventually deciding to bring in Gabriel Jesus. The Gunners’ need for a striker was clear in January, but Newcastle’s ambitions of a top-four finish and Arsenal’s financial constraints meant that the Swedish international was always unlikely to depart.
Meanwhile, runaway league leaders Liverpool are keen to add an elite striker to their already formidable attack, given Darwin Nunez’s underwhelming season and the likelihood of his departure at the end of the campaign. The future of Mohamed Salah also remains uncertain, despite the Egyptian demonstrating his value once again on Sunday by scoring and assisting in the 2-0 win over Manchester City.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
