Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has been in contact with Alexander Isak and could be set to play a key role in trying to keep the striker at the club.
While there is no suggestion Newcastle United will look to sell Isak this summer, there’s been plenty of speculation over his future.
Howe will surely be desperate to keep the forward at St James’ Park this summer and beyond, such is his standing in the game.
Geordie Boot Boys understands that Newcastle will hold contract talks with Isak this summer. While his current deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2028, there’s a willingness to improve his terms after such a fine season last time out.
Ahead of the talks, the Newcastle United manager could play a key role.
Eddie Howe embraces Alexander Isak during Newcastle United vs Nottingham Forest.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Eddie Howe could step in to Alexander Isak’s contract talks at Newcastle United
According to The Chronicle, Howe has made contact with Isak this summer.
It’s suggested that Howe could even get involved in Isak’s contract talks with decision-makers at the club.
CEO Darren Eales and sporting director Paul Mitchell are set to leave Newcastle imminently, meaning Howe could be the one to step in.
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It’s claimed that there are no fears that Isak’s head has been turned despite the speculation in regard to his future.
What Eddie Howe has said about Alexander Isak’s new contract at Newcastle United
Few would begrudge the Swedish striker a new contract.
While Isak’s Newcastle salary is obviously a huge amount of money, the reported £120k-per-week he’s on arguably pales in comparison to what other leading Premier League strikers are paid.
Having established himself as one of the best forwards in the world over the last two seasons, a new contract on improved terms seems fair.
Back in October, Howe said players must earn the right to new contracts. It’s a two-way street, after all, and the club cannot just hand out big deals for the sake of it in a PSR world.
“We need to make sure we’re delivering our part as a football club for them,” he said.
“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.
“As a player you can sit down and say I want to play European football, but you then have to play to that level as well.”