30-goal striker hits back at Newcastle United transfer claim after contract U-turn & Chelsea talk
Alexander Isak has once again addressed his future at Newcastle United amid reports linking him with a transfer exit.
Isak was understood to be targeted by Chelsea and Arsenal over the summer but a deal failed to materialise as Newcastle entered talks to tie the striker down to a new long-term deal. Those talks have since ended with a new deal yet to be agreed.
The 25-year-old remains under contract at St James’ Park until 2028. But after scoring 40 goals in 78 games for Newcastle since his £63million club record transfer from Real Sociedad in 2022, including 30 goals in his last 51 games since the start of last season.
Only Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Mohammed Salah have outscored Isak in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 campaign. As a result, he has attracted plenty of interest from top clubs across Europe.
The striker is currently away on international duty with Sweden, where he was asked about the speculation surrounding his future.
"Throughout my career, I have never talked about or really commented on the move rumours during the season,” he said via Fotbollskanalen. “There have been many such years where it has been talked about. It doesn’t affect me.
"I am commenting on my situation in Newcastle, and I have never had any problem there. I am fully focused on my task there and that we will have a fantastic season. There are still great opportunities for that.
“I have no thoughts about anything else. The only thing I can say is that a lot of information and rumours often come out. Much of what I read is not true. So that’s about all I can say about the whole thing.”
Isak’s comments make him appear relaxed about his future at Newcastle as he remains comfortable at the club. And that message has been echoed by head coach Eddie Howe, who claims he sees ‘no issue’ regarding Isak’s short-term future at the club.
“I will hear bits and pieces but Alex has a long contract at the football club anyway and we have to be careful regarding our spending with PSR.” he said. “It's not a clear-cut situation, we of course love him and we hope he can stay at Newcastle for many years and score a load of goals for us. I don't see a short-term issue with his contract.”