Credit: Imago

Harri Burton

Fri 8 August 2025 14:35, UK

Eddie Howe faces a very difficult prospect of replacing Alexander Isak at Newcastle United this summer.

Alexander Isak to come face-to-face with Newcastle fans as Eddie Howe makes decision	New Alexander Isak statement issued by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe: 'I can't involve him'	Eddie Howe forces Alexander Isak to train alone at Newcastle

The 25-year-old netted 34 per cent of the Magpies’ Premier League goals last season, boasting 52 goals across all competitions over the last two campaigns at St James’ Park.

However, Isak’s current contract situation at Newcastle, combined with Liverpool‘s interest in the striker, has caused the player’s mind to wander, leaving the club in a state of panic.

Attempts have been made recently to sign Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, with the former choosing the Reds and the latter about to join Man United, also missing out on Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Matheus Cunha.

Replacing someone of Isak’s calibre is not a simple task, especially not with Newcastle facing further struggles against PSR restrictions, until the star is sold and the money is reinvested.

Newcastle could make an ironic move for Nicolas Jackson, but with Chelsea looking to make a profit on the 24-year-old, the issue with funds rears its ugly head once again.

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Instead, Howe could look to his current squad to fix the centre-forward situation because, with Harvey Barnes and Anthony Elanga on the wings, Anthony Elanga could play through the middle next season.

Eddie Howe is facing a difficult summer transfer window.

(Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

During his spells with Newcastle and Everton, the 24-year-old has played 15 games as a centre-forward, boasting five goals and an assist, and has even been tipped to take the role for England.

After Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Man City in September 2024 [TNT Sport], Joe Cole labelled the player “exceptional”, while also saying, “I’m really impressed with him, especially in that position.

That set the tone,” and Lescott also praised his “very high football IQ”.

From two huge voices in the footballing world, Gordon already has the green light to deputise at centre-forward in place of Isak, but the transition will be far from simple due to their difference in playing styles.

Howe would, obviously, be taking a massive chance as the Magpies face the new season in the Premier League and Champions League, but it may be one that he is forced to take this summer.

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