Alexander Isak contract boost sends perfect Newcastle United transfer message

Alexander Isak contract boost sends perfect Newcastle United transfer message

Eddie Howe has fronted up to plenty of tough questions in relation to Newcastle United’s top talent in recent months, each time remaining steadfast in his belief the Magpies will not have to wave goodbye to their key stars in the near future.

Bruno Guimaraes‘ contract saga dragged on for months before it was eventually resolved earlier this season, with Howe playing a major role in persuading the player to put pen to paper on a new and improved bumper deal.

Now, attention turns to Alexander Isak and making sure the club’s record-signing stays put amid interest from enticing and intriguing suitors. Thankfully, the Swede is firmly on course to follow Guimaraes’ lead by agreeing a new contract on Tyneside.

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Keeping a player of Isak’s ilk cannot be understated. Ensuring he stays this summer and beyond is arguably as big of a coup as any potential incoming arrivals when the transfer window reopens.

Isak’s current deal runs until 2028 but unconfirmed reports in recent weeks have suggested a significant pay cut awaits the hitman this summer when Newcastle fail to qualify for the Champions League. The fresh deal currently being negotiated will instead, rightly, see Isak become one of the highest earners at the club and could be signed and sealed before the end of the season.

Outside admiration of Newcastle’s star striker has naturally grown given his displays in a black and white shirt of late. Arsenal and Tottenham’s interest has been well-documented, while it is hard to imagine the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, PSG and Real Madrid not having at least one eye on Isak’s contract situation.

But while once upon a time Newcastle would have no hope of keeping those European outfits at bay, they are now in a position to offer their players attractive offers of their own. Keeping the likes of Bruno and Isak in the north east sends a very clear message to potential summer signings; the Magpies are building for a bright future, even if Europa League qualification may be their ceiling this term.

Crucially, Howe has also been backed again. A manager and the hierarchy in total harmony. No undermining, no disagreements. A cohesive structure, all pulling in the same direction.

Meanwhile on the pitch, Newcastle get to keep one of the world’s best forwards. It is like Howe said after Saturday’s 5-1 win over Sheffield United; there is no one in football worth swapping for Isak.

Erling Haaland may be a goalscoring machine, Ollie Watkins may have improved his all-round game and Son Heung-min may have delivered at this level for years – but Isak’s ceiling simply looks higher than all aforementioned alternatives.

29 goals in 48 games is some record for a striker who left Real Sociedad to join Newcastle with just six La Liga goals in his final Spanish season. Saturday’s brace to help relegate Sheffield United also means Isak has now scored in seven consecutive games at St James’ Park.

“I think he’s world class. I’m not sitting around analysing all the other strikers in the world, but the biggest thing is, I wouldn’t swap him for anyone,” Howe said over the weekend.

“When you look at his age profile and what is to come, his attributes and his qualities, he is superb. It’s a shame for me and probably for Alex that there are these questions about his future. I understand why the questions are asked and the better he does, the more goals he scores. that will be a thing [that is asked] but we should just enjoy his performances and the way he is playing now.”

Newcastle have reaped the rewards of Isak’s brilliance on many occasions since his big money switch. With that in mind, it’s hard to suggest a contract extension would be ‘like a new signing’ for the club. However, it is a huge boost before a crucial summer – and after a very challenging campaign.

View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/alexander-isak-contract-boost-sends-29084726

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