Newcastle United set to delight Alexander Isak once they signed £35m star, Not Joao Pedro
Newcastle United Eye Joao Pedro to Partner Alexander Isak at St James’ Park
Newcastle United are setting their sights on a striking attacking partnership featuring Joao Pedro alongside their current star forward, Alexander Isak, at St James’ Park. The Magpies’ manager, Eddie Howe, is keen to bolster the team’s frontline by bringing in the 23-year-old Joao Pedro, who is now regarded as Newcastle’s primary transfer target.
Howe envisions Pedro playing a pivotal role alongside Isak, creating a dynamic and potent attacking duo that could significantly enhance Newcastle’s goal-scoring threat. However, this ambitious plan faces stiff competition, most notably from Liverpool, who are reportedly very interested in securing Isak’s services. While Newcastle have made it clear that Isak is not up for sale, the Reds seem determined to test the Magpies’ resolve with a potential record-breaking bid.
Reports suggest that Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record in an attempt to sign Isak, sparking hope among Newcastle fans that their prized Swedish striker will remain at Tyneside. For Newcastle to convince Isak to stay amid such interest, the club may need to make substantial moves, including offering him a contract that would elevate him to the status of the club’s highest-paid player. Negotiations surrounding this are expected to unfold soon, highlighting the urgency and importance of retaining Isak.
The Potential Role of Anthony Elanga in Newcastle’s Transfer Strategy
In addition to focusing on Joao Pedro, Newcastle are also showing interest in another exciting talent: Anthony Elanga. The club’s recruitment team might consider prioritizing Elanga as a key signing, partly because of his existing relationship with Alexander Isak. The two players have developed a good understanding while representing Sweden at the international level, which could translate into an effective partnership on the club stage.
The prospect of reuniting with Isak at Newcastle could be highly appealing to Elanga, and this connection may serve as a crucial selling point for the Magpies. Elanga is a player who is well-regarded within Newcastle’s hierarchy, seen as a potential solution to the club’s ongoing challenges on the wings. His arrival could not only strengthen Newcastle’s attacking options but also act as a strategic move to deter Liverpool from pursuing Isak, as the presence of a familiar teammate might persuade Isak to stay.
However, a major obstacle lies in Elanga’s valuation. Newcastle reportedly value the winger at around £35 million, but his current club, Nottingham Forest, is unlikely to accept such an offer easily. Forest are keen to keep Elanga and could demand a significantly higher fee, possibly up to £60 million, making this a challenging transfer to complete.
Elanga’s Thoughts on Playing with Isak
The significance of the relationship between Isak and Elanga cannot be overstated. Newcastle’s recent winger, Jacob Murphy, had an impressive season, delivering 14 assists across all competitions and forming a productive partnership with Isak. Manager Eddie Howe will naturally want to replicate this kind of synergy with any new signing.
Elanga himself has spoken openly about the chemistry he shares with Isak. In an interview with Fotbollskanalen last year, he acknowledged that the two have discussed Newcastle’s interest in him and emphasized the good understanding they have on the pitch.
“Elaborating on their connection, Elanga said, ‘Isak talked to me about it, but I said the same to him as I say to you — I’m focusing on Nottingham and hope to have a good season, then we’ll see what happens. We have a good relationship and good chemistry when we play together, but I have a contract with Nottingham.’”
This positive rapport could prove to be a deciding factor for Newcastle as they consider officially pursuing Elanga this summer.
Looking Ahead: Newcastle’s Attack and Transfer Ambitions
Newcastle United face a critical summer in the transfer market. Securing Joao Pedro would provide a significant boost to their attacking options, potentially allowing Howe to build an exciting strike partnership with Isak. At the same time, holding onto Isak amid Liverpool’s aggressive pursuit will require careful contract negotiations and strategic planning.
Meanwhile, the pursuit of Anthony Elanga offers Newcastle another potential avenue to strengthen their squad, particularly on the wings where they have identified weaknesses. Despite the financial hurdles, the possibility of reuniting Elanga with Isak — rekindling their international chemistry — might make the investment worthwhile.
Ultimately, Newcastle’s success this summer will hinge on their ability to navigate these complex transfer dynamics, balancing financial realities with the ambition to build a team capable of challenging at the highest levels.