The No.9 shirt is vacant at Newcastle United - should Alexander Isak fulfil his rightful legacy at St James’ Park?
Debate has already raged about whether Alexander Isak will stake his claim among the pantheon of legendary No.9s at Newcastle United.
Callum Wilson is gone - a player who did the iconic jersey justice over five years at St James’ Park. The 33-year-old announced his departure yesterday having snubbed the opportunity of a reduced, incentivised contract extension.
That will leave a big elephant in the room when Newcastle come to confirming their squad numbers for the 2025-26 campaign. There will be Toon supporters who flocked to the club store for next season’s shirt sweating about a potential number change.
The home and third kit have been released, with Isak No.14 proudly being sported as one of Newcastle’s star players. He is a no-brainer to assume the No.9 mantle; few strikers in memory have earned their black-and-white stripes more than the Swede without wearing the fabled number.
A piece of Newcastle United history
Few shirts in English football weigh heavier than the Toon No.9. From Hughie Gallacher, Jackie Milburn and Malcolm Macdonald and modern-day greats like Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand and Alan Shearer, Isak is the current incarnation of the Tyneside goal machine. An impressive 62 goals in 109 games since joining from Real Sociedad surpasses the 49 Wilson bagged during his five-year stay.
But does he want it? A mutli-faceted forward capable of shining in multiple offensive positions, many have labelled Isak as a Thierry Henry regen. Perhaps being diplomatic as Wilson was still a teammate, the 25-year-old suggested he may stick with the tried and trusted.
Alexander Isak on No.9 shirt
“I would probably stay with No.14, yeah,” he said. “I think it’s a difficult one because I’ve been successful with No.14, and it would probably not be an easy decision.”
But in a later conversation with Shearer - arguably Newcastle’s greatest-ever player - Isak’s mood shifted. He told the club legend: “I’m doing well, I’m happy with No.14. But on the other hand, I know the No.9 is a special shirt for the fans.”
Many outsiders may view speculation about a shirt number as tedious or irrelevant but the No.9 - and everything the jersey represents - is a key staple of Newcastle tradition. And there is nobody better to write the next chapter under ambitious ownership than the super Swede.
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Callum Wilson announces exit
Wilson penned an emotional farewell to Toon fans on social media. He wrote on Instagram: "It's time to say goodbye after an unbelievable few years in the Toon. Thank you for everything.
We stood strong together through the highs and some lows to help the club experience new heights. I am so proud to have worn the iconic No.9 shirt and to have added a little more history to it. Scoring at the Gallowgate End really is as special as they say.”
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