Alexander Isak Leads Newcastle United’s Champions League Charge

Alexander Isak has emerged as the driving force behind Newcastle United‘s resurgence, scoring nine Premier League goals since December and reigniting the club’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. The 25-year-old Swedish striker has been instrumental in Newcastle’s six-game winning streak, helping to silence doubts about the team’s direction under manager Eddie Howe.

Isak’s journey to becoming Newcastle’s star player has been marked by resilience and self-discovery. Born to Eritrean parents in Stockholm, he began his career at AIK, where he became the youngest scorer in the club’s league history at just 16. Despite early comparisons to Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Isak’s humble and introverted nature set him apart from his brash counterpart.

After a challenging stint at Borussia Dortmund, where his shyness hindered his progress, Isak found his footing during a loan spell at Willem II in the Netherlands. His 13 goals in 16 Eredivisie games in 2019 showcased his potential, leading to a move to Real Sociedad in Spain. There, he flourished, scoring 17 goals in his second season and earning recognition for his performances at Euro 2020 with Sweden.

Newcastle’s decision to sign Isak for a club-record fee of over £60 million in 2022 raised eyebrows, but the investment has paid off. Despite injuries limiting his availability, Isak has delivered crucial goals, including a debut strike against Liverpool and a hat-trick in December 2023. His 20 league goals in the 2023-24 season made him the first Newcastle player since Alan Shearer to reach that milestone in two decades.

“He is just a constant threat all the time,” Shearer said on BBC Match of the Day. “His finishing is excellent, and he is confident and cool and believes in everything he is doing. Everything about his game is of the highest quality.”

Isak’s recent form has coincided with tactical adjustments by Howe, including Sandro Tonali‘s deeper role and Bruno Guimarães‘ advanced positioning. These changes have provided Isak with the support he needs to thrive. “Alex is a world-class talent,” Howe said after Isak’s hat-trick. “The way he took his goals, he has that coolness and composure very few have. When you add into the mix his technical skills, I think he’s got it all.”

With three and a half years remaining on his contract, Newcastle is determined to retain Isak, who has become the face of their ambitious project. Rumors of interest from Arsenal have surfaced, but any potential suitors would need to meet a significant asking price. For now, Isak remains focused on helping Newcastle achieve their goals of silverware and European football.