Newcastle United identify new Alexander Isak alternative – could make full debut at Leeds United
Newcastle United have begun the new season under unusual circumstances, entering the campaign off the back of a cup triumph and Champions League qualification but lacking an established centre-forward to lead the line.
The club allowed Callum Wilson to depart earlier in the summer, ending his long stint on Tyneside, while Alexander Isak has complicated matters further by refusing to train in a bid to force through a transfer away from St James’ Park. Despite his desire to leave, with less than a week left before the summer transfer window slams shut, an exit for the unsettled Swedish international looks increasingly improbable.
Isak has been absent from first-team training for well over a month and has not featured in any match—competitive or friendly—since last season. Newcastle’s hierarchy, led by co-owner Jamie Reuben and PIF representative Jacobo Solis, have even visited the striker at his home to try to mend relations and convince him to reintegrate with Eddie Howe’s squad. However, the 24-year-old frontman has stood firm in his stance that he wants a fresh challenge elsewhere.
That leaves Newcastle in limbo ahead of this weekend’s crucial Premier League fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road. Howe had planned to deploy Anthony Gordon through the middle as a temporary solution after the winger started the opening two matches in a central role. But Gordon’s straight red card against Liverpool earlier in the week has now ruled him out of Newcastle’s next three domestic fixtures, leaving the manager scrambling for alternatives.
Speaking after the Liverpool defeat, Howe admitted the club could not sustain a season without a recognised striker and pointed towards young Danish forward Will Osula as the most immediate solution.
“We can’t go through the season with no recognised striker at the football club,” Howe explained. “That’s no disrespect to Will Osula—he’s developing really well, and his progress has been very encouraging. But at this point in time, his experience at Premier League level is still limited. Alex [Isak] is the only striker we have with a proven record in terms of goals, appearances, and consistent starts.”
Osula, who signed for Newcastle last year, has mostly been restricted to appearances from the bench. However, he made a strong impression against Liverpool, coming on as a substitute to score his second Premier League goal for the club. At just 22 years old, he now finds himself elevated into Newcastle’s official first-team squad list and could be Howe’s only natural striking option heading into the clash with Leeds, unless another player is forced to operate out of position.
“If you do the maths, we’re quickly running out of options in that position,” Howe admitted. “But I can’t allow myself to dwell on the negatives. Will Osula came on, scored a goal, and did really well in difficult circumstances. He’s given everything in training and deserved his moment. It could be a big opportunity for him.”
Howe praised Osula’s composure, work rate, and ability to lead the line despite Newcastle being reduced to ten men. The manager hinted that the young forward may now be given a greater role in the coming weeks, describing him as “a vital contributor” and someone who had “done himself no harm at all” with his recent performances.
With the transfer deadline looming and Isak’s situation still unresolved, Newcastle’s season could hinge on whether Osula can rise to the challenge. For now, the young striker may carry the weight of leading the Magpies’ attack into a critical early run of fixtures.