Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales has sent a clear message to clubs eyeing up Alexander Isak, stating that the Swedish striker is not for sale with several years left to run on his contract. With talks of an extension on the horizon at season’s end, Isak’s importance to the Magpies is undeniable.
The forward has been a revelation since his record transfer in 2022, netting 19 goals this campaign, trailing only behind Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland. His contributions have been pivotal in Newcastle’s campaign amid the current pursuit of a top-four finish.
Despite Liverpool’s reported plans to snag Isak with a player-plus-cash offer involving Darwin Nunez, and Arsenal’s interest, Eales remains resolute.
He warned: “The reality is that all of our players are under long-term deals. They’re committed to the club. So, from that perspective, we’re not looking to move any player on. We’ve got that wish and desire to keep our key players [and] we’re not under the gun [to sell] or anything like that.
“We’ve got an ownership that is ambitious [and] wants the best for the club. So from that perspective, it’d be crazy for us to consider it.”
Describing Isak as “world-class,” Eales acknowledged that while interest from other clubs is expected, the club’s intention is to retain their key player. “We’re going to be clear – he has multiple years left,” he said.
“So like all of these things, we will have the discussions in terms of a new deal just like we did with Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon. That’s something that we will approach in the summer.”
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Isak netted his 22nd goal of the campaign on Sunday, converting a penalty in a 2-1 extra-time loss to Brighton in the FA Cup.
He also sustained an injury scare towards the end of normal time, giving him only two weeks to recover for the Carabao Cup final. However, ex-Newcastle hero Alan Shearer believes he’ll make it back in time.
“From what I’m hearing he’s going to be fine for the final,” Shearer commented on The Rest is Football podcast. “I guess that’s what Eddie Howe has to consider over the next two weekends.
“If there’s even a 2% doubt about someone then I guess he’s just going to leave them out in preparation for the final and I don’t blame him for that,” he continued. Newcastle have one more league fixture before the final, an away game at West Ham on March 10.
