Alexander Isak’s ‘gentleman’s agreement’ as new Arsenal and Liverpool suspicions raised

Arsenal and Liverpool are expected to pursue Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window, yet the importance of Champions League qualification as a factor in him leaving Newcastle has been questioned

 

 

 

 

Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United may not yet hinge on whether the team secures Champions League football next season.

 

Isak, 25, has become one of the most sought-after strikers in world football, with Arsenal and Liverpool both being linked with moves for the Swede ahead of the summer transfer window. That is due to Isak’s scintillating form this season, having registered 21 goals and five assists across 30 matches in all competitions, including strikes against the Gunners in both the Premier League and the Carabao Cup

 

 

 

 

Pundits, fans and beyond have spoken about Isak’s departure as if it is a foregone conclusion. Yet, Newcastle will demand an eye-watering fee of around £150million, while also working to extend his contract beyond 2028 with a new deal in the summer

 

 

 

 

 

But while correctly predicting that Newcastle would not let their talisman leave in the January transfer window, Emile Heskey previously stated that the club’s ability to secure a return to Champions League football will be a deciding factor in whether Isak leaves.

 

The former Liverpool and England striker even suggested that there may be a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ in place to let him depart St. James’ Park in the summer – if fifth-placed Newcastle fail to qualify.

 

But retired Sunderland midfielder Bolo Zenden claims that Isak may not want to leave even if Eddie Howe’s side miss out on Europe’s elite club competition. Zenden suggested that playing European football in any capacity, such as the Europa League, may be enough, while saying Isak may even struggle to adapt at Arsenal or Liverpool

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zenden told Beste Legale Online Casino: “That’s a difficult one to be honest because we know Isak, he came from Spain. Did he play Champions League football in Spain? So it’s not like it’s something that he really needs. Is he performing? Yes, of course. 19 goals, 5 assists [in the Premier League]. He’s making a name for himself up in the north east. The Geordies are loving him, I’m sure.

 

 

“So I don’t think they need to play in the Champions League in order to keep him. As long as they play in Europe, that will probably be enough for Isak. But with his stats, it’s more likely that a bigger team will come along and try to persuade him to make a move.

 

“Is he more likely to want to move on if the likes of Arsenal or Liverpool come for him? That would be another step up for the player and an opportunity to try and prove yourself on another level, with new expectations.

 

 

 

 

 

Isak, he’s a handful, a threat. He scores goals from either left or right. He’s got a lot of pace, but he has played in teams that were not always playing that possession game

 

 

 

 

“So, if he moves to a team that dominates the game, where the spaces are getting very tight, it’s not particularly easy for a player like him. That would definitely ask something different from him. But there are certain teams that could fit the bill for Isak in the Premier League.”

 

 

 

 

 

Nevertheless, Newcastle currently stand a good chance of qualifying for the Champions League, which may well be extended from four English clubs qualifying to five for the new season due to the coefficient looking favourable for England’s top division. They are fifth in the Premier League, level with struggling Manchester City on 44 points with 12 games remaining

 

 

 

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Meanwhile, Newcastle – who didn’t have any European football this season – are only one game away from qualifying for the Europa League anyway, given they face a Carabao Cup final with Liverpool next month where that would be the additional prize for winning. In the league, the Toon also have third-placed Nottingham Forest firmly in their sights off the back of Sunday’s 4-3 win over them, where Isak scored twice. Forest are now just three points in front and are only one goal better off for goal difference