Alan Shearer feels Alexander Isak will stay at Newcastle United next season despite Chelsea interest.
Former England striker Alan Shearer believes Alexander Isak will stay at Newcastle United this summer amid interest from Chelsea.
Alexander Isak, 24, has become one of the most feared strikers in the Premier League since joining Newcastle United from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022. He enjoyed a fantastic 2023/24 season despite the Magpies’ inconsistency, netting 21 goals in 30 Premier League outings.
The Swede’s exploits at St James’ Park has seemingly gone unnoticed, with Chelsea showing an interest. The Blues are plotting a sensational swoop for Isak and made an enquiry to Newcastle over his availability earlier this week. The West London side were told that it would take more than an eye-watering £115m to sign Isak—the amount they paid Brighton and Hove Albion for Moises Caicedo last summer.
Addressing the speculation around Isak, Newcastle United hero Alan Shearer has calmed fears that the striker would leave St James’ Park, claiming Chelsea won’t be able to “afford him”.
“I’m not that worried about Alexander Isak being linked with other clubs. I don’t think he’ll leave,” Shearer told Betfair (h/t The Metro).
“I don’t think it can happen. Newcastle supporters would go mad if it happened. What he’s brought to Newcastle and how good a player he is, I’m not sure Chelsea could afford him either.”
The ex-player-turned-pundit has backed the 24-year-old to block out the Chelsea rumours, but admitted he would be amazed and angry if he exited.
“I’ve seen the reports and I don’t think there’s anything in that at all. I’d be amazed, angry and disappointed if he left Newcastle,” he added.
“He’s been linked with a number of clubs and that shows how well he’s done. He had a really good season.
“We know what he can do in front of goal. He’s a wonderful player. He likes Newcastle. I’d be amazed if he went anywhere.”
Isak has four years remaining on his contract with Newcastle (Transfermarkt) and his high valuation suggests how highly he is rated by the club and across Europe. He was one of the bright sparks in an otherwise disappointing last season for Eddie Howe’s side that saw them finish outside of the top six and miss out on Champions League football. When the chips were down, the Swede often produced moments of magic and single-handedly won games for his team.
Chelsea are looking for a striker after Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency in front of goal and Christopher Nkunku’s injury struggles in the 2023/24 season. Cole Palmer, who was the Blues’ top scorer, has to be supported more in the final third if the team under Enzo Maresca are to score goals regularly in the upcoming campaign.
Isak would be a sensational addition to Maresca’s strike force but there are doubts over our club breaking the bank for him this summer. Moreover, it is really difficult to see Newcastle selling arguably their biggest asset to the Blues and strengthening one of their rivals.
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