The key to Alexander Isak’s future could lie with Manchester United as Newcastle brace themselves for bids for their marquee player this summer. Isak, 25, cemented his stellar season this month with a goal in his side’s EFL Cup final win over Liverpool, his 23rd of the campaign.
The Reds and Arsenal are two clubs reportedly lining up an approach. Isak is said to want Champions League football next season, and with Newcastle currently outside the top four, the club face a struggle to keep him if they fall short of that target. However, they seemingly have already lined up a potential replacement.
According to talkSPORT, Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has already taken steps towards signing Jonathan David this summer. The Canadian international is currently at Ligue 1 side Lille and, like Isak, has struck 23 times in the 2024/25 campaign.
On Sunday, he scored the winner for his country in a 2-1 success against Mauricio Pochettino’s USA. He’s declined to extend his contract at the French club and is set to end his five-year stay by departing on a free transfer.
However, United are also reportedly pursuing David. That follows speculation over the future of Rasmus Hojlund, who has struggled for form since his £72million move from Atalanta in 2023.
Should Ruben Amorim get his man, he could also inadvertently scupper the transfer ambitions of his club’s rivals. With Isak contracted until 2028 and no release clause seemingly in place, Newcastle will unlikely let their key player depart without securing a replacement.
Indeed, Callum Wilson is also set to depart this summer. If Isak were to head to Anfield or the Emirates, Eddie Howe would suddenly be drastically short of forward power ahead of a campaign where European football has already been secured.
David, 25, has played 224 times for Lille since his move from Gent in 2020. His tally of 107 goals leaves him just six away from surpassing Andre Strappe, the club’s record goalscorer.