Alexander Isak currently wears the No.14 - but plenty want him to take the Newcastle United No.9 shirt.placeholder image
Alexander Isak currently wears the No.14 - but plenty want him to take the Newcastle United No.9 shirt. | Getty Images
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is - according to reports - set to be offered the No.9 shirt.
Newcastle United and the No.9 shirt just works, doesn’t it? Supermac, Jackie Milburn, Hughie Gallacher, Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, Les Ferdinand and plenty more - the great and the good of English football’s goalscoring charts, many of whom have enjoyed a stint in the famous number while in black and white.
It’s fair to say there’s been some lesser names donned it also, but Callum Wilson, it’s last holder, can definitely rank as one of those who wore it with pride and quality. The No.9 did not weigh heavy on the now free transfer’s shoulders. It has been too heavy a burden for some to carry. The last before Wilson - Joelinton - was ill-suited to its history and heritage, and in fairness, couldn’t wait to hand it on to Wilson, then arriving from Bournemouth.
Wilson was this week confirmed to have exited United at the end of his last contract on June 30. Newcastle refused to activate an option on the deal, and Wilson did not want to sign a pay-as-you-play contract with Eddie Howe’s Magpies. As a result, the No.9 remains vacant at Newcastle - which is a real rarity, it has to be said.
Wilson departs - Isak to take over?
There’s an obvious successor to Wilson already at the club in Alexander Isak, but does the player really want to switch from 14 to nine. Only time will tell on that front. But it’s fair to say fans have mixed views on the subject.
We asked the question on our dedicated NUFC Facebook page - which can be found here - whether: “Alexander Isak should take the iconic No.9 shirt?”. The responses were mixed. Below is a selection of the best ones...
NUFC fans have their say on Isak No.9
Jack Gray: "Bet all the people who are saying 14 already have the shirt. He deserves the number 9 especially for Newcastle - iconic number."
Kav Watson: "Yes I'd love to see him wear it, but it's down to AI if he wants to take that famous no 9."
Shaun Jeffery: "Only if he wants it and I heard he is happy with 14."
Mark Nicholson: "Yes."
John Summerside: "Yes he should."
Tatenda Chinorira: "Yes."
Steven Otter: "About time should’ve got it last season and still get it even if Wilson stayed."
Anthony Kirkwood: "HE'S DEFINITELY GOOD ENOUGH & SHEARER WOULD AGREE BUT I THINK HE'LL STICK WITH 14."
Dave Lamb: "He doesn't want it. The number 14 has personal meaning to him."
Young Ronny Zulu: "Yeeeesi."
Effort Jonz Jonhera: "No 14 is good."
Peter Evans: "He’s said repeatedly that he doesn’t want it. So sign another striker and give it to him."
Continue Reading