Alexander Isak Newcastle sale verdict ‘not what people want to hear’: Finance expert
Alexander Isak looks set to hold the key to the summer transfer window at Newcastle United in a way that could be unpopular with the club’s supporters.
The Swedish striker has enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Magpies, with his goals vital in ending their long wait for a trophy with the League Cup, and challenging for Champions League qualification.
That though has inevitably generated a considerable amount of interest in the 25-year-old, with Arsenal being heavily linked with a move for Isak.
Meanwhile, there were also suggestions Liverpool could offer Darwin Nunez to Newcastle as part of a swap deal for the forward.
Now, football finance expert Rob Wilson has indicated that whether or not Isak is sold this summer will have major implications for the transfer window at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak sale opens door for major investment
As the Magpies look to become regular trophy winners and Champions League qualifiers in the years to come Isak may be key to their hopes of doing that if he leaves rather than if he stays and keeps scoring.
It has been claimed that Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rummayan has insisted Isak is not for sale under any circumstances this summer.
But Wilson has noted that there is a tough call for the club to make, given the opportunities to invest that they can open up through the sale of the Sweden international, even if it would be unpopular.
| Alexander Isak 2024/25 stats | Total (as per Transfermarkt) |
| Appearances | 39 |
| Goals | 26 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 |
| Red Cards | 0 |
Speaking to The i about the decision Newcastle must make on whether or not to sell Isak this summer, the programme director at the University Campus of Football Business said: “You either stick and move a couple of extended squad players out or you cash in on an asset and really give yourself some headroom.
“I’m talking about Isak because his market value is very high. It’s not what people want to hear but the reality is you sell Isak for £120m or something of that order and you’re talking about bringing in three £80m players, potentially.
“The sale of one player can have a material impact on your entire squad but it’s a very tricky situation to be in because, financially, the Champions League is a game-changer in terms of revenue but it also puts demands on you. You have additional squad needs which cost money so there is a decision to be made.”
Newcastle United facing crucial transfer window
Football Insider Verdict
It feels hugely important for those at the club that they get things right when it comes to the business they do in the market this summer.
This has been an excellent campaign for Newcastle, but they are going to want to maintain that, and will have the extra demands of playing in Europe next season.
Eddie Howe does not have a great deal of strength in depth available to him in this Magpies squad, and that must be added this summer if they are to cope with all that.
If the sale of Isak was to happen, it would undeniably be unpopular at St James’ Park, but it would also bring in plenty of funds to the club.
Those could then be reinvested on several players, meaning that while Newcastle may lose their talisman and best individual, the all-round strength of their squad in multiple positions may improve.
As a result, it is clear that the decision makers at the club face an extremly tough call come the summer should any rivals come calling over Isak.