Newcastle Must Keep ‘World-Class Talent’ Ahead Of January Window

There are few centre forwards in the Premier League on the level of Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker netted a hat trick for Newcastle United against Ipswich Town on Saturday to extend his scoring run to six goals in his last four league appearances. When Isak is at his best, he elevates Newcastle’s overall standard.

While the 25-year-old started the 2024/25 campaign sluggishly, he is now back to his best. Isak still has a long way to go to match last season’s tally of 21 goals in 30 Premier League outings, but only Erling Haaland is as potent in front of goal when it comes to centre forwards in English soccer’s top division.

It is therefore unsurprising that so many rival clubs are reportedly interested in signing Isak. Arsenal in particular is believed to be an admirer of the Swedish international who would give the Gunners the elite level centre forward they currently lack. Many argue Arsenal should break the bank to sign Isak.

A similar argument could be made for Manchester United. Ruben Amorim is remoulding the Old Trafford outfit and Isak would give United a sharper cutting edge in front of goal. Chelsea is another Premier League team that could use a centre forward of Isak’s quality, although Nicolas Jackson’s improvement this season should be noted.

Newcastle United has struggled against the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) over the past two seasons and so selling Isak would give the club more room to manoeuvre. It could allow money to be reinvested in other areas of the squad with the January transfuse window opening soon.

“Alex is a world-class talent,” said Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe when asked about Isak’s performance level after the hat trick in the 4-0 victory over Ipswich Town. “The way he took his goals, he has that coolness and composure very few have. When you add into the mix his technical skills, I think he’s got it all.

“He has unique skills, and the challenge is to get him into the game as much as we can. Earlier in the season we weren’t doing that, but now the team are performing much better. He’s a player with a real confidence and we’re seeing a return to his really best levels – that’s highlighted by the goals he has scored.”

The Magpies find themselves at a juncture in their recent history under Saudi Arabian ownership. PSR means Newcastle can’t spend much more without boosting the revenue of the club as a whole. This is what could make selling Isak for a huge transfer fee attractive. However, replacing someone as good as the Swede would be almost impossible.