Isak – the new Shearer? Betting on awards and transfers
Will he follow Vardy’s example or move to a top club?
This summer, Alexander Isak may become the most expensive transfer in Premier League history. Liverpool and Arsenal are leading the race for Newcastle’s Swedish striker. Manchester City and Chelsea are also keeping an eye on him. So, why is the Swede such a big deal? Let’s break it down—and of course, we’ll share the best betting odds on his potential move and individual awards.
Alexander Isak Club on 01.09.25
For two seasons now, all of Europe has been buzzing about Swedish players. After Viktor Gyökeres’ insane start in the Champions League, everyone went crazy linking him to top clubs—from Man United (yes, we’re still calling them a top club as we used to) to PSG. But then Sporting and Gyökeres hit a rough patch, and the hype cooled down.
Isak’s Perspectives in Newcastle United
In contrast, Alexander Isak’s name is everywhere. Newcastle have reportedly set a record release clause—£150 million. But club legend Alan Shearer, in a friendly debate with Gary Lineker, reckons even that price isn’t enough.
For the first time in 70 years, Newcastle have a real shot at winning a domestic trophy. And their main hopes in the Carabao Cup final are pinned on Isak. He already scored against Liverpool in a nail-biting 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park back in December. And he’s netted three goals in his last four appearances.
The Sides Isak Can Theoretically Join
It’s symbolic that Liverpool are the main contender for Isak. They still haven’t extended Mohamed Salah’s contract. If the Egyptian leaves, they’ll desperately need a top striker at Anfield. Insiders are convinced Liverpool will go all-out in the transfer market this summer, even if all three stars with expiring contracts (Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent) stay put.
The main candidate to leave? Darwin Núñez. And Isak is expected to be his replacement. That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein:
Bookmakers got it right before when predicting Liverpool’s two biggest signings: Van Dijk and Núñez. So maybe it’s worth paying attention.
Arsenal are the second main contender. Mikel Arteta personally wants the Swede in his team. Rumor has it that’s why the Gunners didn’t follow up on their offer for Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa—saving the money for Newcastle’s genius.
Arsenal already had a bid rejected by the Magpies in January, but they haven’t given up on Isak. He has even said his idol is Arsenal legend Thierry Henry. Still, despite having no fit forwards this winter, Arsenal didn’t sign anyone new. So, should we really expect new arrivals once Saka and Havertz are back from injury?
The biggest obstacle for Liverpool and Arsenal isn’t even the record £150 million price tag. It’s Newcastle’s refusal to let him go. His contract runs for another three years. This summer, they plan to offer him a new deal, making him the club’s highest-paid player ever.
However, insiders say Isak wants to play in the Champions League, and Newcastle aren’t there at the moment. Plus, he’s 25. If he wants to make a move to a superclub, now is the perfect time. By 2028, when his current deal ends, it might be too late.
There’s also Barcelona, although affording Isak could be a stretch financially. Before the season started, selling Raphinha might’ve helped ease the wage bill, but under current conditions, that move would backfire.
Finally, PSG. With Luis Enrique’s new system featuring four wingers, it seems they don’t even need a striker. They’ve already made a successful signing in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Plus, no one has moved from the Premier League to PSG in almost five years.
Alexander Isak Club on 01.09.25
Why is Isak Such a Star?
With his two goals against Nottingham Forest, Alexander Isak became the seventh-fastest player to reach 50 Premier League goals. He’s proven he’s no one-season wonder, delivering top performances for two years straight. This season, he was even named Player of the Month at one point.
Alexander Isak’s 24/25 Premier League stats
|
Metric |
Result (League rank) |
|
Goals |
19 (3) |
|
Goals + Assists |
24 (2) |
|
Shots on Target (per game) |
1.4 (4) |
Isak has already become the highest-scoring Swedish player in Premier League history, surpassing the legendary Freddie Ljungberg. It’s surprising that even with such fantastic stats, he is only the third favorite with the bookmakers for the Golden Boot. And it’s all because of Salah. But Liverpool and their leaders have already proven, with their defeat to PSG in the Champions League, that they are not invincible and can falter at a crucial moment.
Salah, on the other hand, is the main contender for the PFA Player of the Year award. He already has two of these trophies. But there’s one catch: no one in the history of the award has ever won it three times. Isak is the third favorite with the bookmakers, but realistically, betting on him right now isn’t a serious option.
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