Alexander Isak faces Newcastle United axe – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will struggle to pick between Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson to lead the line for the start of the 2023-24 campaign.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Magpies are “blessed” to have two top-quality forward options.
Isak was signed for a reported then-club-record fee of £63million last summer (2022) and made an instant impression on Tyneside, helping them to Champions League qualification.
The Sweden international managed 10 goals and three assists across 27 appearances in the 2022-23 campaign.
But Wilson refused to accept a backup role and managed 18 strikes and five assists in 31 games last term despite often playing second fiddle to Isak.
Towards the end of the season, Isak was shifted to a left-winger role to accommodate the red-hot England international.
Newcastle kick off the new season with a home clash against Aston Villa on 12 August.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think it’s genuinely 50-50 between the two of them.
“Ask the Newcastle fans, and they’d say exactly the same.
“When Isak plays, he’s outstanding – but Wilson’s form was brilliant at the end of last season.
“Newcastle are blessed to have two top strikers, but you can’t choose between them.
“Isak could play on the left, but with so many competitions and Wilson’s fitness still being an issue, there are going to be plenty of chances to rotate.
“If I’m Eddie Howe, I’m picking a name out of a hat.
“That’s how even it is in that position.”
In other news, Newcastle United two-man signing plan revealed.