Another Alexander Isak? ‘Very clever’ Newcastle gem goes public with ‘big club’ Real Madrid desire

The world of football is built on dreams, and for young players making their way in the game, those dreams often involve the sport’s most iconic clubs.

For Trevan Sanusi, an 18-year-old winger on the books of Newcastle United, his ultimate ambition is no secret: he dreams of one day playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

In a recent interview, the teenager openly discussed his aspirations, drawing a parallel—in spirit, if not in stature—to the very public summer saga involving his former teammate, Alexander Isak.

Sanusi, who recently joined French side Lorient on a season-long loan, spoke enthusiastically about his new challenge.

He acknowledged that the physicality of Ligue 1 would be a test but viewed it as the perfect “league of talents” to showcase his skills.

However, when the conversation turned to his long-term future, his ambitions soared beyond his current surroundings. “I just want to play football and reach the highest level possible,” he stated.

“Why not Real Madrid or FC Barcelona, or any big club where I can showcase my skills and personality on the pitch?”

This kind of candidness is becoming increasingly common from young players, but it always raises eyebrows, especially when they are contracted to a club with its own lofty ambitions like Newcastle.

It echoes the situation the Magpies faced with Alexander Isak, who publicly expressed his desire to leave, refused to train, and eventually secured a record-breaking move to Liverpool.

While Sanusi’s comments are not a direct demand for a transfer, they are a clear signal of where he sees his career heading, a narrative that clubs often prefer to manage behind the scenes.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is undoubtedly aware of the player’s potential and his dreams. He has been a vocal admirer of Sanusi, having given him a taste of first-team action in pre-season and an FA Cup debut last January.

Howe has described him as a player with “standout qualities,” praising his confidence, cleverness on the ball, and his fearlessness in taking on defenders one-on-one.

The manager also rightly pointed out the areas needing improvement: adding physical strength and refining his final product. The loan move to Lorient is designed to address these exact needs, providing him with regular senior football in a competitive league.

For Newcastle, the situation is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, they have a gifted academy product whose value could skyrocket if he excels in France.

On the other, they are developing a player who has openly stated his desire to eventually join a European giant.

The club’s strategy will be to maximize his development and potential transfer value, much like a savvy investment.

Real Madrid, forever on the lookout for the next generation of global stars, will certainly be watching. They have a famed history of recruiting the world’s best young talent, and a successful season in Ligue 1 could easily put Sanusi on their radar.

For now, the young winger’s focus is on proving himself in France. But his public declaration has set a marker down for his career, a reminder that in modern football, a player’s ambitions are never far from the surface.