NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Alexander Isak of Newcastle celebrates after scoring ... More the winning goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Arsenal FC at St James' Park on November 02, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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Alexander Isak is the hottest property in world soccer right now, and heading into the summer transfer window, Newcastle United must brace itself for interest and offers in its star striker.
The Sweden striker’s form helped Newcastle end a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy and made Champions League football next season a real possibility. He has scored 23 goals in 31 matches in all competitions, and his importance to the club is growing since he signed from Real Sociedad for $90.6m in 2022.
Scoring in the 2-1 Carabao Cup final win against Liverpool at Wembley last week already secured legendary status for Isak at Newcastle. But for all the interest in him, the club has huge ambitions of its own. Keeping him at St James’ Park is crucial.
Here is a breakdown on his situation.
### Who is interested in Isak?
Most clubs in the world will want to sign Isak. It is widely believed he is the most in-form striker in soccer at the moment, but he is also lauded because of his style of play.
Isak is not simply a prolific goalscorer, he is also a very skilful and intelligent player, able to move into different positions and link up well with his team-mates. His ability to run with the ball at his feet and dribble past defenders has set him apart from others in his position; while many believe there is a lack of elite strikers in the game, Isak’s blend of quality and consistency make him a rare commodity.
Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in Isak, and in need of attacking reinforcements generally. Gunners coach Mikel Arteta is a long-term admirer, having wanted to sign him before his move to Newcastle, and Arsenal’s fans believe he could be the missing ingredient for a Premier League title win.
Liverpool is set to lift the trophy, but will reshape its attack for next season. Isak is said to be a dream signing; Chelsea asked about his availability in 2024 and is likely to be in the race again.
Newcastle is demanding more than $200m to sell Isak, and all clubs know affording him will be difficult and are looking at other options.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates scoring his team's second ... More goal as Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool looks dejected during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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### Can Newcastle keep hold of Isak?
Newcastle is not going to allow Isak to leave without a fight. Supporters of the club have grown frustrated by the media narrative surrounding their star player, because it is just assumed he will leave St James’ Park and move to a ‘bigger’ club.
But Isak’s contract runs until 2028, and he is already one of the highest earners at the club. All parties are relaxed about the future; from the player to his agents and club officials.
Newcastle knows it needs him to achieve its own ambitions. Unlike many other clubs who have been forced to sell assets, Newcastle is in no need of that; having strengthened its position with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, Isak doesn’t need to go to help ease financial pressures. With the wealth of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment behind it, Newcastle is looking to spend big to improve its team after an already historic season, but top of the priority list is signing Isak to a new contract.
While there is no imminent pressure to sell, and Newcastle’s power will diminish as time goes on. If Isak does not sign a new contract, next summer his value will decrease, dropping further a year after and the following season he will be able to leave for free.
Keeping Isak is crucial, but so is protecting his value for as long as possible. Talks over a new contract will commence at the end of the current season. One way which could see a mutually beneficial breakthrough is a high value release clause, as occurred last year with midfielder Bruno Guimaraes; this affords the player some control but guarantees a minimum fee if he is to leave one day. There are no plans to entertain offers at this stage.
Newcastle has certainly not been used to so much intense scrutiny over its best players, but it must adjust quickly.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Newcastle United player Alexander Isak celebrates with the trophy after ... More the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
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### Does Isak want to leave Newcastle?
Isak has consistently been asked about his future and has always spoken highly of the club and how happy he is.
Last week, after winning the cup and before playing for Sweden, he again reiterated that position.
“There’s not much to say, really," Isak told Swedish media when asked about his future. "I’ve commented on my situation and my security in Newcastle several times.
"It’s been written how much I love the city and the club, how well I feel there. I’m not thinking about the future."
"I just want to perform for Newcastle. Now we won the cup, but we want to finish strong and reach the Champions League games. That’s where my focus lies.”
Before the final, Isak spoke about joining Newcastle to achieve his ambitions. Though qualifying again for the Champions League will help cement his future, it may not be as vital as some think.
Isak has been known to be a star in the making for years and Newcastle has been rewarded for faith shown in him. Critically, the player understands that; but Newcastle must continue to match his ambitions in order to keep him long-term.