Alexander Isak’s Newcastle future rests on securing Champions League qualification.
That’s the view of former Sweden and West Brom defender Jonas Olsson has given his thoughts on the striker’s future.
The striker has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months[/caption]
Isak still has three years remaining on his current deal at St. James’ Park.
However, he is the subject of growing transfer interest ahead of the summer window.
Arsenal and Liverpool are amongst the club’s to be linked with a move for the 25-year-old.
Although, the Gunners are understood to view his compatriot Viktor Gyokeres as a more attainable option.
Despite that, Olsson believes that Isak will only remain a Newcastle player next season if they finish in the top five.
And he fears that missing out on Champions League qualification could see him secure a transfer away from the North East instead.
Asked if Isak will stay at the Magpies this summer, Olsson told Hawksbee & Baker: “I think it’s all down to if Newcastle qualifies for Champions League.
“Players these days, at that level, for them, playing in the Champions League is that important.
“If they do qualify, I’m not surprised if he stays a year or two.
“But I think in the long term, the destination for a player of that calibre has to be Barcelona, Real Madrid or whoever’s top of the hierarchy in England at that moment.”
Isak has scored 22 Premier League goals already this season[/caption]
Newcastle are currently on course for a return to Europe’s premier club competition.
Eddie Howe’s side are third in the Premier League with four matches remaining.
However, Nottingham Forest will leapfrog them if they win their game in hand on Thursday night.
Newcastle’s last appearance in the Champions League came in the 2023/24 season, but it ended with them finishing bottom of their group.
They were absent from Europe entirely this term after finishing seventh during the previous campaign.
Their Carabao Cup triumph in March has already secured at least Europa Conference League qualification for next season, though.
Isak’s goals have the Toon Army dreaming of a Champions League return as the campaign nears its conclusion.
Only Mohamed Salah has scored more than his 22 Premier League goals so far this term.
Those strikes have taken his overall tally for the club to 61 in 106 appearances since signing from Real Sociedad in 2022.
