3 major stories to bring you today. Two are positive, and unfortunately, one is pretty bleak news regarding our best player. We will start with the bad news, of course, in a possible vain attempt to leave you feeling positive about things once you are done reading, so let’s dive in, shall we?
Isak Wants Out
So, as you have probably heard through various sources already, Alexander Isak want to make a move away from St James’Park. He is currently 7/2 to join Liverpool, with those in the know already making their mark on the market by using a Richard Casino no deposit bonus to affect the odds. Isak currently has three years remaining on his Newcastle United contract, so if a bid comes in, it will have to be a substantial offer.
Liverpool, under the management of Arne Slot, has shown strong interest in the player. Isak was absent from Newcastle’s recent 4–0 defeat to Celtic, with Howe citing a minor thigh issue and the need to manage his playing time amid growing transfer speculation. The striker is expected to rejoin the squad for upcoming pre-season matches in Singapore and South Korea.
With 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle, Isak has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in world football under Howe’s leadership. A transfer would likely break the current British record of £116 million, set by Liverpool’s signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
Ross Wilson Leads Race for Sporting Director Role
Newcastle are also nearing a decision on their new sporting director. Nottingham Forest’s Ross Wilson has emerged as the frontrunner, according to The Athletic. Wilson has a strong working relationship with Eddie Howe and is believed to be the preferred choice in a recruitment process involving Howe, PIF, and Jamie Reuben.
Wilson’s CV includes roles at Falkirk, Watford, Huddersfield, Southampton, and Rangers. He is known for fostering a strong club culture and supporting a collaborative approach to transfers, aligning well with Howe’s management style. While Newcastle have yet to formally approach Forest, Wilson’s participation in interviews indicates he is open to the move.
Changes in the Boardroom
In addition to the sporting director search, Newcastle are expected to appoint a new CEO. David Hopkinson, who previously held a senior commercial role at Real Madrid, is a leading candidate to replace Darren Eales. The club has also brought in Sudarshan Gopaladesikan, a data specialist with experience at Atalanta BC and Benfica, as technical director. Gopaladesikan will report to the incoming sporting director, likely Wilson.
Solano Takes Charge of Pakistan U-23
Former Newcastle United midfielder Nolberto Solano has been named head coach of Pakistan’s under-23 national football team, with a long-term plan to take charge of the senior side. The appointment was confirmed by the Pakistan Football Federation as part of a broader push to raise the country’s footballing profile.
Solano, 51, also known as “Nobby,” previously managed Blyth Spartans in 2024 and held various roles in his native Peru, including serving as assistant manager of the national team from 2015 to 2022. He led Peru’s Olympic squad in a failed attempt to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Pakistan, currently ranked 201st out of 210 FIFA nations, remains a minor force in international football. The country has never qualified for the World Cup and counts two South Asian Games gold medals from 1989 and 1991 among its few notable achievements. In their most recent World Cup qualifiers, they finished bottom of a group featuring Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Tajikistan, failing to earn a single point. Solano’s appointment comes as Pakistan aims to improve ahead of the expanded 48-team World Cup in 2034, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Newcastle Alumni in New Roles
Several other Newcastle United legends have recently taken up new positions. Alan Shearer continues to thrive as a football pundit with the BBC and Amazon Prime. Scott Parker has been appointed as Burnley’s new manager ahead of their return to the Premier League. Mike Williamson has joined the Rangers’ coaching team in Scotland, while Damien Duff recently stepped down as Shelbourne FC manager after guiding the club to a league title in Ireland.
