Newcastle United are not going to sell Alexander Isak unless they can get a replacement.
And they do not just want any replacement. Newcastle United are a club that is competing in the Champions League that suddenly need to replace one of the best strikers in the world.
That makes the Magpies’ task all the more challenging, and it is a key reason why Isak is likely to stay at Newcastle as it stands.
But Eddie Howe and co are continuing to look for a new striker, with less than three weeks to go before the summer transfer window closes.
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Newcastle United against Tottenham Hotspur.
Photo by Michelle Mercer/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United unsure about signing Nicolas Jackson
Newcastle have considered Nicolas Jackson as an option, with the 24-year-old free to leave Chelsea.
A deal for the Senegal international would be great news for Liverpool, as it would give them the encouragement they need to make a fresh move for Isak.
However, Jackson to Newcastle United is not quite a goer at this stage.
That is according to the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, who has stated on X that the Magpies have ‘reservations’ about buying Jackson as their replacement for Isak.
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He wrote: “Newcastle have reservations about making a move for Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson. Not seen as the same calibre of striker as Alexander Isak for a start.”
Newcastle United have to be 100% certain with striker decision
If Newcastle United are unsure about signing Jackson then they absolutely should not make a move.
The Magpies are not in a position to just ‘take a punt’ on a player. They are aiming to replace an elite centre-forward who has scored more than 20 goals in his previous two Premier League seasons.
While that will not help Isak’s situation or give Liverpool the encouragement they need, Newcastle United can only look after themselves.
Newcastle have tried to replace Isak. They made big money bids for Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko. While they are not at his level, they would have been sufficient replacements for Isak.
But the jury is out on Jackson, which should tell Newcastle all they need to know. Now is not the time to panic and take risks. It is the time for strong heads and forthright decision making. If Newcastle cannot replace Isak then they cannot sell Isak.