I want to tour other Premier League clubs with a big ‘HANDS OFF ALEX ISAK’ sign and wave it around. What good will that do? I don’t know. But it feels like a statement I want to make.
Pleasingly, the noises coming from Newcastle United at the moment make it seem like Isak is not for sale, and will still be in black and white this September. This is huge for Newcastle’s season, with Champions League football returning and hopefully another decent cup run to come. Without Isak, I think a lot of our hopes of finishing high in the table, doing respectably in the Champions League, and generally having a happy time this season fade away.
At some point, he will leave. I don’t believe Isak is so in love with Newcastle United that he wants to stay years and finish his career here. He’s an ambitious player who probably wants to be playing in the best leagues in the world.
I, however, don’t think it’s inevitable that he leaves this time next year, but I do think it’s more likely. His price will still be high; he will only be 26. At that point, it makes no sense from a PSR perspective to hold on – particularly if the player himself is ready to move.
It’s frustrating that this is where we are, financially, and at the same time I understand it. It would be lovely to just fling cash at players, keep them happy, and buy reinforcements. It would also be boring and not good for the game if, say, three rich clubs just did that all the time. I’m just glad we look like we might keep hold of Isak for another massive season at Newcastle United, and develop/scout other players in case we find ourselves without him next.
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