“Newcastle is not a one-man team.”
Those are the words of Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe, who was speaking on the fitness of star striker, Alexander Isak. At the time of writing, Newcastle is currently waiting with bated breath to see if Isak will be ready for the Carabao Cup final – vocal about their ability to play without him, but clearly worried that the man who has scored 21 goals for them so far this season will not be there to help them lift the trophy.
Even more concerningly, it’s not just his current fitness that bosses are waiting on. Over the last few weeks, there have been numerous rumours about Isak being transferred elsewhere, with both Liverpool and Arsenal apparently interested in signing the Swedish forward during the summer transfer window. So should Newcastle be prepared for life without Isak, or is all this worrying for nothing?
Isak’s Impact on Newcastle
First off, while Howe might say that Newcastle is not a one-man team, no one can refute just how impactful Isak has been for the club. Any sports betting viewer would put more emphasis on Newcastle with him in their ranks, but when he’s not there, the odds often swing the other way. As mentioned previously, over the last season, Isak has scored 21 goals in outstanding fashion, proving just how much his presence has been crucial to the club’s success.
When he’s on the field, Newcastle’s attacking play has a different level of potency, and his ability to find the back of the net consistently is something the team definitely relies on. As well as this, credence should be given to Isak’s timing, with many of his 21 goals being scored during big moments, when teams typically start going inward, and losing their cutting edge. Since joining the club in 2022, Isak has become a leader who drives his team forward in the big games, to the point where they are now playing it out for the sought-after Carabao Cup.
Can They Do It Without Him?
The fact that Howe is being asked about Newcastle’s reaction to Isak’s current fitness proves just how crucial he is. People are concerned that he’s going to potentially miss a couple of games. Can you imagine the concern if he’s going to miss every game in the future? He is undoubtedly a star player for Newcastle, and for this reason, it’s crucial that the club starts preparing for his departure. The last thing fans want to see is Newcastle dip immediately after Isak steps off the field – and onto the train to Liverpool! Even if he decides to stick around and see out his six-year contract, Newcastle need to begin preparing for life without Isak and what exactly that looks like.
It’s certainly doable. Across their ranks, there are numerous great Newcastle players who can step up to the plate, including midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, right-back Kieran Trippier, and goalkeeper Nick Pope. All of these players have become leaders on the field and have contributed a lot to get Newcastle to where they are. In this respect, Howe is right. It isn’t a one-man team, and they’re going to look to prove that.
There are also potential signings on the horizon that are worth noting. According to recent rumours, for instance, Newcastle is looking to sign Spurs star James Maddison, who could easily replicate Isak’s unique ability and vision during those high-pressure games. Another rumour suggested Newcastle is interested in Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham, who would be a hugely interesting signing – and would certainly plug the hole that Isak would leave – if it were to come true. As ever though, these are just rumours, and so too is Isak’s potential transfer. As of right now, he is still Newcastle’s top player, and they can focus mainly on making the most of the star while he’s still wearing the black and white stripes.
