Alexander Isak Could Have a Newcastle United Reunion Sooner Than Expected
Alexander Isak may have left Newcastle United this summer, but it seems the connection between him and his former club is far from over.
The Swedish forward, who made the move to Liverpool in a high-profile transfer, could soon cross paths with familiar faces from St James’ Park though not necessarily on club duty.
Isak continues to represent Sweden at international level, where he shares the pitch with two current Newcastle players, Anthony Elanga and Emil Krafth. Both have been regulars in Sweden’s squad and remain close friends with the Magpies’ camp.
However, change is coming to the Swedish national team, as Graham Potter has recently taken over as interim manager, tasked with the challenging mission of guiding the Scandinavian side to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Potter’s appointment has stirred excitement and curiosity, as the former Brighton and Chelsea manager brings a reputation for tactical innovation and strong man-management skills.
Yet, one of his first moves in rebuilding the Sweden setup could lead to an unexpected Newcastle link. Reports suggest that Potter is eyeing a member of Eddie Howe’s coaching team to join his national staff and that man is Graeme Jones.
According to the Daily Mail, Potter is considering an approach to add Jones to his coaching group ahead of the next international break.
The English coach, currently serving as assistant manager at Newcastle United, has earned great respect within the football community for his tactical awareness and deep understanding of the game.
Potter is described as a “long-term admirer” of Jones’ work, appreciating his ability to develop structure and discipline within teams.
Jones first arrived at St James’ Park back in January 2021, joining Steve Bruce’s staff at a time when the team desperately needed fresh ideas. His influence was immediate, and his tactical input helped stabilise a side that was losing confidence.
Since then, Jones has stayed through managerial changes, earning the trust of Eddie Howe and becoming a key figure in the club’s resurgence.
What remains uncertain is whether Jones would be interested in taking on a dual role with Sweden while continuing his duties at Newcastle. If he accepts, it would mark another chapter in his international coaching career, which already includes impressive experience with England and Belgium.
Jones previously worked with Gareth Southgate’s England team during Euro 2020 (played in 2021), where he played a small but valuable role in helping the Three Lions reach the final.
Before that, he was part of Roberto Martinez’s Belgium staff between 2018 and 2020, where he worked closely with world-class players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. His track record proves he can balance international responsibilities alongside club duties.
The Sweden role would be part-time, as Potter’s contract currently runs only until March 2026. His job will be to guide the national team through World Cup qualification and possibly beyond if results go their way.
For Jones, the timing might make the offer more appealing, as it wouldn’t require stepping away from Newcastle permanently.
However, Eddie Howe might be less enthusiastic about losing one of his most trusted lieutenants, even temporarily. Jones has been central to Newcastle’s tactical preparation and matchday planning, often spotted giving instructions from the technical area.
His input has been crucial to the Magpies’ progress in both domestic and European competitions.
Howe’s staff are known for their unity and shared philosophy, and any disruption could affect the smooth functioning of the team.
With Newcastle aiming to climb back into the Premier League’s top four and continue their strong European campaign, the manager would likely prefer to keep his backroom team intact and fully focused on the challenges ahead.
Still, the potential move is a testament to how highly regarded Jones is in football circles. His coaching journey from assistant roles at Luton Town and West Brom to working alongside some of the best managers in the world reflects his professionalism and deep knowledge of the modern game.
If Potter does convince Jones to join him, it would mean a reunion of sorts for Isak with a familiar Newcastle presence in the Sweden camp.
The striker could once again find himself under the tactical influence of someone who knows his strengths and mentality well.
Whether or not this collaboration materialises remains to be seen, but one thing is clear Newcastle’s influence continues to spread far beyond the Premier League.
Even when players move on, the club’s mark lingers, shaping football projects across borders. And for Isak, a reunion with Newcastle’s Graeme Jones in Sweden’s setup could come much sooner than anyone expected.
