Alexander Isak has given his say to Alan Shearer about the latest rumours around a new contract and constant reports linking him to Arsenal.
The two centre-forwards met in a sit-down interview for the BBC to discuss Isak’s time with Newcastle and all things football, but Shearer made sure to get an update on where the Swede’s future lies.
In-form Isak has been subject to much speculation about where his future lies with the media peddling a narrative that he now deserves a ‘big move’ elsewhere, and the forward has spoke out publicly to address the rumours.
Isak’s response on contract talk and transfer rumours
Isak told Shearer that media speculation about his future is just “part of football” and said “we’ll see” when asked if he’ll join Erling Haaland in signing a new long-term contract.
Shearer’s line of questioning, though not going into specifics, was quite clear his intention as he asked: “The speculation, does it bother you? I, and the Newcastle fans, won’t like it but it’s a reality of football isn’t it?”
Isak laughed off the speculation, saying his focus is on the pitch: “This is something you get used to. Sometimes you see things that make you laugh, or things that are not right. Nah, it’s just a part of football. It shouldn’t really bother you too much.”
Isak has scored 17 league goals this season with only Erling Haaland and Mo Salah outperforming him in front of goal, and there has been no indication from the player that he has been angling for him a move while the club are desperate to keep their prize asset.
Shearer asks Isak about No.9 shirt
Callum Wilson was the registered number nine when Isak joined the club, and the Englishman remains to don the famous shirt adorned by the likes of Shearer, Malcolm Macdonald and Jackie Milburn.
Perhaps the greatest of all to don the famous number, Shearer questioned the Toon’s current talisman whether he was interested in following in his footsteps.
Shearer asked: “Does the number nine shirt not bother you? Would you like that? It wasn’t available either when I signed but I managed to nick it!”
Isak replied: “I’m doing well, I’m happy with number 14. But, on the other hand, I know the number nine is a special shirt for the fans.”
Wilson may depart in the summer which would make it a straightforward switch, however with the option to extend his contract a further 12 months matters could become more complicated.
Isak can wear nine, 14 or 99 as far as I’m concerned as long as he remains on Tyneside, but I can confess it would be nice to continue in the footballing tradition of the main goal scorer and central striker donning the typical number.