Emile Heskey had previously predicted that Newcastle wouldn’t allow their star striker to leave in the January transfer window.
However, he also suggested that Isak’s departure could depend on whether the club secures a spot in the Champions League. Heskey hinted at the possibility of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ allowing Isak to leave in the summer if Newcastle fails to qualify.
Bolo Zenden, a former Sunderland midfielder, disagreed, suggesting Isak may still prefer staying at Newcastle even if they miss out on Europe’s top competition. Zenden argued that playing in a European competition like the Europa League might suffice for Isak, and pointed out that adapting to teams like Arsenal or Liverpool could be a challenge for him.
Newcastle are determined to keep Isak and are expected to demand a hefty £150 million for him if they do decide to sell. They are also looking to extend his contract beyond 2028 with a new deal.
Newcastle is in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, currently sitting fifth in the Premier League with 44 points. They are level with Manchester City, who are struggling, with 12 games still to go. The team is also one step away from Europa League qualification, as they are set to play in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, where a victory would secure them a spot in Europe. Additionally, Newcastle is just three points behind third-place Nottingham Forest after their 4-3 victory over them, where Isak scored twice.
