The latest Newcastle United transfer news as one rival’s move in the summer market for strikers could have an impact on the future of Alexander Isak
With the summer transfer window officially opening last Friday, Newcastle United will be hoping to keep their highly-rated talent at the club, just as much as they will be seeking to add to it.
In two full seasons of Eddie Howe’s management, the Magpies finished the first in fourth place and then last season in seventh – pipped to European competition for the upcoming campaign only because of Man United’s FA Cup triumph. Critical to both successful years have been the goals of Alexander Isak.
In his maiden campaign off the back of a £63m transfer from Real Sociedad, the Swede registered 11 goals in 29 appearances. This was improved upon in 2023/24, scoring 25 goals in 40 matches.
With proven ability naturally comes suitors, and title hopefuls Arsenal have been linked alongside his Newcastle exploits – the response being to reportedly slap a £200m price tag on the 24-year-old. The only way rumours can well and truly be killed is if clubs like the Gunners resolve their positional problems, and with their links to other strikers too well documented, the latest market movement may well seal Isak’s status in the North East.Mikel Arteta’s search for a striker has also seen him mentioned in the same breathe as Ivan Toney. The former Magpies attacker has gone on to forge a career in the Premier League with Brentford, having his greatest return of 21 goals and five assists in the 2022/23 season.
The 28-year-old originally had a reported £80m fee attached to his name, however talkSPORT now claim that the Bees have slashed that price down to £60m with one year remaining on his contract. Paired with a good Euro 2024 as back-up to Harry Kane in the England squad, his much lower cost could help to turn attentions away from Isak and allow Howe and Co to prepare for the new Premier League campaign in much-needed peace.
On the one hand, Toney has flirted with the idea of a move. “I’m a Brentford player, I have a year left. I’m going into a major tournament and that’s my main focus now,” he said, before adding: “It’s nice to be linked with other clubs but I’ve had disappointments in the past and nothing’s done until it’s done.
If a big move was to come then I’d be ready regardless. But like I said I’ve got to remain focused and not let other things and other noise get the best of me and just focus on what I need to be doing.”
Whereas when questioned about his future, Isak has actively squashed any suggestion of a need to leave St. James’ Park.
