Jamie Carragher: Isak’s future at Newcastle depends on Champions League qualification

Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal and Liverpool are the most likely clubs for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, should he leave the club.

The Swedish striker has been in top form once again this season, scoring 23 goals, including a stunning strike in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, helping Newcastle end their long trophy drought.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have shown interest in Isak, with the former being long-term admirers of the forward. The 25-year-old has three years remaining on his current contract at St James’ Park and recently stated that while he is content at Newcastle, there have been no discussions regarding an extension.

‘They are going to struggle to keep hold of Isak, he is going to want to play somewhere else unfortunately it’s the nature of the beast,’ Neville told It’s Called Soccer.

‘They will lose those players unfortunately. The reality is Newcastle are a great football club and we didn’t see that any more as we did on Sunday [at the Carabao Cup final].

‘But they will want to play for the Real Madrids, Liverpools, Manchester Uniteds and Bayern Munichs of this world, it’s just natural that these players will want to play at those clubs at some point, if they can.’

After Neville’s rather hopeful suggestion that United, among the sides in desperate need of more firepower, could be in the running to sign Isak, Carragher insisted there will only be two clubs in the running should he decide to leave.

But the Liverpool legend believes Champions League qualification this season will be enough to put the discussion to bed for at least another season.

‘100 per cent I think Isak stays if they qualify for the Champions League, I don’t think they let him go anyway,’ Carragher said.

‘I think the only two options at the moment would be Arsenal and Liverpool as they’re both sort of crying out for a striker.

‘I just look at how long he’s got left on his deal and the ball is in Newcastle’s court, it’s not really in Isak’s. I think once you get [down] to two years [on the contract], it’s almost a 50-50, no-one wants to allow a player to get down to 12 months.

‘Newcastle could keep him for another year and say, “we’ll see you then as we’re going to get the same sort of money”. I don’t think Newcastle gain anything by selling him now, unless that they have to.

“And that is why, if Newcastle get into the Champions League, there’s no way Isak is leaving the club. even if he wants to. I think the club will say: “No, do another 12 months and in a year’s time we can make a few quid and you can move on”.’

Alexander Isak joined Newcastle United in August 2022 from Real Sociedad. Since his arrival, he has made 100 appearances for the club, scoring 58 goals and providing 9 assists across all competitions. 

In the 2024-2025 Premier League season, Isak played 24 matches, accumulating 1,974 minutes on the field. He netted 19 goals and registered 5 assists during this period. 

Notably, in December 2024, Isak was honored with the Premier League Player of the Month award and also secured the Goal of the Month accolade for his exceptional performances.

Where will Isak play next season?