Alexander Isak has been sensational for Newcastle United this season, leading the club’s goalscoring table by some margin.
The Sweden international has cemented his status as one of the best strikers in the world thanks to his magnificent form this season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions.
However, no goal may be more important in his Newcastle United career than the one he scored in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool in March, helping the Magpies end a gruelling wait for silverware.
Alexander Isak added to his tally in Newcastle’s win against Brentford on Wednesday night, but there was a lot of concern over the striker’s fitness after coming off just after the hour mark.
Eddie Howe confirmed that Isak hurt his groin against Brentford but believes he could still be ok for the Magpies’ visit to Leicester City on Monday night.
If not, Howe can look to the likes of Callum Wilson or William Osula to replace him, but fans will be hoping that Newcastle have their best possible squad for the final nine games of the Premier League season.
While Isak remains a doubt for Monday, the Swede has done something that has sent Gary Lineker into shock.
- READ MORE – What the Newcastle United medical team have told Eddie Howe about Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak
Gary Lineker baffled by Alexander Isak record at Newcastle
Despite wins for Manchester City and Chelsea, Newcastle are still in a strong position to finish the season in a Champions League spot. The Magpies will definitely be playing Europa Conference League football next season, but the club are adamant that they belong in Europe’s top competition.
Harvey Barnes revealed internal discussions about Newcastle’s season last week where the players all agreed that their aim is to finish as high up the Premier League table as possible and, of course, return to the Champions League.
Meanwhile, Isak made Newcastle history by becoming the first player in the club’s history to score 20 league goals in consecutive seasons. The statistic was read out on the Rest is Football, leaving Lineker in awe of the Swede, mainly because it was something Newcastle legend Alan Shearer never achieved during his 10 years on Tyneside.
“Producer Harry has just handed me a statistic that is my favourite statistic I have ever read out on this podcast,” Lineker said.
Perhaps knowing what is coming, Shearer said: “Something damning against me! Something coming up.”
Lineker responded by saying: “I’m actually stunned, I’m not sure this can possibly be true. Alexander Isak is the first player in Newcastle’s history to score 20-plus goals in back-to-back Premier League seasons.”
Immediately after hearing the statistic, a started Shearer replied with: “I would doubt that, get producer Harry to check that! Get producer Harry to check the stats, please!”
Knowing he had him rattled, Lineker said: “As soon as I read that I thought ‘surely Andy Cole did it’.”
Finally, Shearer responded with: “I would just check the stats, that’s all I’d do.
“Actually, the second season I was injured wasn’t I? I would just check that. Injuries curtailed that, honestly.”
Newcastle United’s objective amid Alexander Isak exit talk
While the Swede has continued his form into this season, there is still speculation over his Newcastle future.
Liverpool are big admirers of Isak, with Arne Slot keen to find a replacement for Mohamed Salah as he looks set to leave the Premier League leaders at the end of the season.
By no means will a deal for the 25-year-old be cheap, however. Reports suggest Isak will cost over £120m this summer, a fee that would break the British transfer record.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Isak wants Champions League football next season and believes that it is something he can do with Newcastle.
The Magpies are currently sixth in the Premier League table but are still in with a good chance of returning to Europe’s top competition after missing out due to poor form and injuries at the end of last season.
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