Newcastle United are in the hunt for Champions League football, but qualification means a lot more for one player.
After a tough start to the season, results have picked up for the Magpies and instead of keeping an eye out on what is below them, they are now looking further up the table.
Newcastle United are fifth in the Premier League thanks to Monday’s win against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. Goals from Jacob Murphy and former Leicester man Harvey Barnes sealed the deal.
Alexander Isak put in a muted performance against Leicester, leading to suggestions that the Swede is not fully fit. However, Eddie Howe claimed Isak is fit and will be in line to play against Manchester United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 5 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 30 | 16 | 5 | 9 | 52 | 39 | 13 | 53 |
There has been a lot of speculation surrounding Isak’s future this season, with clubs across Europe interested in signing the 25-year-old who has scored 24 goals in all competitions.
Newcastle want to give Isak a new contract which would see him become the highest-paid player at the club, trumping Bruno Guimaraes’ £160,000-per-week.
With the Magpies hunting for a return to Europe’s top competition, a new UEFA announcement confirms that Isak is much more likely to sign a new deal with the club.
Premier League to be given extra Champions League spot next season
For the last couple of months, there has been talk of a ‘top five’ rather than the traditional top for which would usually qualify for the Champions League. That is because of England’s ranking in the UEFA coefficient. Because of how well the likes of Liverpool, Man United and Arsenal have performed in Europe, England has topped the charts.
Now, after Arsenal’s impressive 3-0 win against Real Madrid on Tuesday night, it has now been confirmed that the Premier League will have an extra Champions League place next season.
This is not only great news for Newcastle in their hunt for Champions League football, but also in their hopes of keeping Isak.
In January, it was claimed that Newcastle had to get Champions League to keep Isak. That fifth spot now means it is much more likely that they will achieve that.
The Magpies are in pole position to qualify for Europe’s top competition thanks to their game in hand over the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City. They face Crystal Palace at St James’ Park in April to level the number of games played and hopefully form a gap to the other teams.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Newcastle United not phased by Alexander Isak transfer speculation
Isak has been a difference maker for Newcastle this season. His 20 Premier League goals have been pivotal to their league position and Carabao Cup win.
Liverpool want Isak as a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who has still not confirmed his future at the club with his contract running out at the end of the season.
Newcastle know it would be crazy to sell Isak, or any of their top players this summer. Especially if they qualify for the Champions League.
From his own perspective, Isak is focused on success at Newcastle rather than his future. The Swede is looking to finish the season before coming to any conclusions about his career.
Newcastle have eight games left in the Premier League this season, Isak knows exactly what he needs to do for his future at the club.
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