Newcastle United are going to step up their efforts to keep Alexander Isak at St James’ Park.
The 25-year-old is enjoying another spectacular season, with Alexander Isak currently boasting 19 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions.
Newcastle United’s most expensive signing ever has been in red hot form, resulting in admiring glances from the rest of the football world. But despite the media noise, Newcastle know clubs cannot afford Isak.
However, there is also an awareness that the Magpies must protect their asset. Newcastle want to extend Isak’s contract, and are formulating a new plan to keep him at St James’ Park.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Newcastle United’s plan to extend Alexander Isak’s contract
That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Isak’s contract situation at Newcastle United.
Bailey has stated that Newcastle want to agree terms with Isak before the end of the season.
“It’s just common sense from Newcastle’s point of view,” he said.
“They would like to get something done before the end of the season. It makes sense. They’re open to doing it before knowing where they will finish in the league. Whether or not Isak is up for doing this, let’s see. Time will tell.
“Do I see Newcastle paying £200,000-a-week? Possibly. They are going to have to. Newcastle will have to pay that to someone at some point. It is the way that football is going. Is Isak the one to break that barrier for them? I think it should be. They should do whatever it takes to keep him.”
How much a new Isak contract could cost Newcastle United
At this moment in time, Isak is not Newcastle United’s highest earner. However, that will need to change for the Sweden international to sign a new deal.
The Magpies are going to have to break their wage structure and pay someone at least £200,000-a-week for the first time in the club’s history.
It is a lot of money, but it is something that Newcastle are going to have to do to keep major players like Isak.
If Newcastle United officials are able to agree a £200,000-a-week deal with Isak, it will cost PIF £10.4million-a-year. That is a lot, but it will be money well spent to retain a player of Isak’s quality.
Breaking the wage structure is an important step in the evolution of Newcastle United. To consistently challenge for major honours, they need the best players. And to retain the best players, you need to pay them what they are worth in the modern game.
Isak deal is bigger than Newcastle’s trophy pursuit ahead of Carabao Cup final
Newcastle can end their trophy drought in March, with Eddie Howe’s side set to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Winning a trophy would be an unforgettable moment for supporters, while it will also be defining in this new era at St James’ Park.
However, Bailey has suggested that, from a neutral’s perspective, getting Isak to sign a new mega-money contract is more important for the evolution of the club than the looming cup final.
“I think giving Isak the contract he wants and breaking that wage structure is bigger than winning the Carabao Cup, as a club,” he said.
“As a fan base, it is not. But, from a neutral point of view, giving Isak that new deal is vital.
“They are going to have to if they are to keep him. Newcastle cannot opine about having one of the world’s best strikers and not pay him as such.”
In a perfect world, Newcastle end their trophy drought and convince Isak to sign a new contract in the next few months.
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