Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe is on course to play a leading role in attempting to convince Alexander Isak to sign an improved contract which will end speculation over whether he could leave St James' Park during the fast-approaching summer transfer window, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Having enjoyed a historic 2024/25 campaign thanks to winning their first piece of silverware in 70 years - after beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final in March - and qualifying for the Champions League, the Magpies are determined to ensure key members of the squad will remain on Tyneside.
Isak became Newcastle's club-record signing when he completed a £63million switch from La Liga outfit Real Sociedad in August 2022, but his prolific performances have resulted in there being serious concerns that he will be the subject of lucrative offers as preparations are made for next season.
Magpies Desperate for Isak to Agree Contract
Sweden international has three years remaining on current terms
Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle United
Howe is prioritising handing Isak a new deal, according to GMS sources, with Newcastle's desperation to reward him with fresh terms not changing despite being in line for a significant reshuffle behind the scenes as Paul Mitchell prepares to walk away from his sporting director position at the end of next month.
The Magpies are heading into the summer transfer window in a strong negotiating position and under no pressure to sell the striker if interested parties test their resolve with a formal bid as he still has three years remaining on his £120,000-per-week contract, but there is a desire to persuade him to sign on the dotted line.
GMS sources have been informed that, in a major twist, Howe will now be taking a more direct approach in the handling of business matters that impact his side - following Mitchell's imminent departure - and is set to be integral in the push to tie Isak down to a long-term deal after he has been a constant goal threat in a Newcastle shirt.
Alexander Isak's statistics since joining Newcastle United
The Sweden international has been described as 'world-class' by Magpies icon Alan Shearer, who has remained the Premier League's all-time leading goalscorer, and his current employers are eager to avoid a situation where they are forced to seek a replacement as they prepare for next term.
Mitchell would have played an integral role in contract negotiations with Isak if he opted to stay on board, GMS sources have learned, but Howe will take on the task of ensuring the former Borussia Dortmund man's head is not turned by suitors during the fast-approaching summer transfer window.
Isak May Not Secure Chance to Double Wages
Owners contemplating how high they are prepared to go for striker
Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle United
GMS sources have been told that there is uncertainty over whether the Public Investment Fund and other key decision-makers at Newcastle are prepared to double Isak's salary and allow him to move clear as their highest-earner, even though there have been suggestions that they are being encouraged to hand him a £250,000-per-week deal.
Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Anthony Gordon are currently on more lucrative terms than the 25-year-old, but it has been acknowledged at St James' Park that their first-choice marksman deserves to be on a higher pay grade after he spearheaded the Magpies back into the Champions League.
Isak is expecting to be rewarded for his growth in status, GMS sources understand, and his contract negotiations will be the central focus of Newcastle's post-Mitchell reshuffle as Howe is desperate to have him at the forefront of his options at a time when the Tyneside giants are pushing to become recognised as one of the country's biggest clubs.
Eddie Howe Related
Newcastle Want to Sign £350,000-a-Week Premier League Star
Newcastle are showing interest in a potential summer move for the 29-year-old forward.
But the Magpies are in serious danger of finding themselves in a battle to keep their fan favourite as GMS sources recently revealed that newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool are increasingly confident of being able to turn his head and lure him to Anfield ahead of next season.
All statistics courtesy of Sofascore - correct as of 29/05/2025
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