Newcastle United's critical match is against Everton, with the victory securing Isak from potential transfers to Arsenal and Liverpool.
Newcastle United's wait for silverware ended after their Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool, but their hard-fought third-place placing in the Premier League could yet prove decisive for their future. The Magpies are increasingly being linked with a move for highly-rated Swedish striker Alexander Isak, who is reportedly valued at £150m.
Eddie Howe's side will be eager to have Isak fit and firing for their final league game against Everton this weekend after his absence was keenly felt in Wednesday's disappointing defeat at Arsenal. The team's hopes of a fourth successive win over the Gunners and a potential second-place finish were dashed by Declan Rice's strike, leaving them locked in a tense battle for a top-five finish.
Isak, a £63m signing from Real Sociedad, has scored 27 goals for the Magpies so far this season, making him a key player. His recent absence saw the team fail to score in open play in their four preceding matches, collecting only one point in the process.
With speculation surrounding Isak's future ramping up, Newcastle are keen to reopen talks on a contract extension for the goal-getter, having recently signed him to a deal running until 2028. However, they face competition from Premier League title winners Liverpool as well as Arsenal, who have long been linked with a move for the striker.
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United are all reportedly interested in signing the 25-year-old, who has expressed a desire to achieve his football ambitions at St. James' Park. Despite Newcastle's intention to retain him, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to fend off the strong interest from other top-flight clubs.
For now, Newcastle are concentrating on securing Champions League football for next season, a feat they achieved via the Carabao Cup. However, a win against Everton on Sunday could prove crucial as it would bolster their bargaining position with any potential suitors for Isak.
The Swedish superstar has had a notable impact since joining the Magpies, scoring the Wembley winner to secure the Carabao Cup, and increasing his reported £150m valuation despite missing the North London derby with a minor groin injury. Isak knows the importance of big games, having tasted Champions League football with the team last season, and it remains to be seen whether he will stay on Tyneside for another shot at the European stage.
With crucial decisions looming on the players' futures, the final day of the season could prove pivotal not just for Newcastle's place in the Premier League table, but also for the long-term future of key players such as Isak.
- Newcastle United, hoping to keep their key player Alexander Isak fit and performing, will face Everton this weekend in what could be a decisive game for both the team's Premier League position and their potential bargaining power in maintaining Isak's services, given other top-flight clubs' interest.
- Despite their recent Caraboo Cup victory and third-place finish in the Premier League, Newcastle United are not only focusing on Champions League qualification for next season but also on securing the future of their top scorer, Alexander Isak, who has been linked with several Premier League title winners, including the team he helped to win the Caraboo Cup, Liverpool.
