£63million striker Alexander Isak can't simply walk away from Newcastle United but despite Liverpool talk he remains focused on life at St James' Park
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United with Eddie Howe the head coach / manager of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Nottingham Forest FC at St James' Park on February 23, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
(Image: Getty Images)
Eddie Howe could take the lead on contract talks with Alexander Isak ahead of the striker's return to Benton in July.
The Newcastle United head coach has already made it clear that he does not want to lose the Sweden international. Is boardroom uncertainty a factor in any delays on Isak signing a new extension?
Two of the key decision makers in CEO Darren Eales and sporting director Paul Mitchell will leave soon and the identity of their replacements remains to be seen. But Howe is more than capable of sitting down and seeing exactly what is needed and ultimately his plans for the player himself rank higher than anything else.
Over at Liverpool, reporters who cover the club have been told not to dismiss a July bid for Isak. While at Newcastle - with or without the extension - the word coming from club sources is similar to 12 months ago - that he is contracted until 2028.
We understand that Howe has been in contact with Isak and is relaxed over his situation - and there has been quiet talks behind the scenes. But that is no surprise given Howe is a great man manager who keeps in constant touch with his squad and offers assurance frequently.
Don't forget, last June, there was also an enquiry from Chelsea on Isak as Newcastle battled against PSR fears, but even though United had to listen to offers for everybody during that time, they still brushed off interest from the Blues.
Whatever happens, Newcastle don't have to sell Isak and Howe will be keen to get started with pre-season training again. There are no fears internally that Isak will need settling down behind the scenes.
He is not the type to push for a move, just like his performances on the pitch he is ice cold in character and will be calculated enough to know he could achieve the same type of legendary status as Alan Shearer. We are talking breaking club records, getting the no.9 shirt, statues and more - he already scored what proved to be the winner in the Carabao Cup at Wembley to break red hearts.
Newcastle see Isak as a big part of the plans going forward. Like Bruno Guimaraes, he was used as one of the poster boys for the new kits with Adidas.
Howe said last season "One of the challenges we have with all our best players is to continually drive the club forward. It’s very easy to talk about ambition, but we have to show ambition.
"But also the player has to perform to that level. If he’s saying he has huge ambitions, he has to be actually doing the business on the pitch - it’s a two-way thing, the challenge is always thrown back."
Reports this week that Isak would sign a new deal with £200,000 emerged from the national media. But Newcastle have not stood that up just yet.
Of course they want to talk to Isak, but by the same token they are under no pressure to sell, bow down to any demands or make any decisions. They won't be pressured either way, not least by speculation and Isak is contracted to the club for three more seasons.
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