Newcastle United secured one of their greatest transfer windows in 2022, bringing in key talents who have since become vital to Eddie Howe’s squad.

Among those signings, Alexander Isak stands out as an exceptional talent, joining for a club-record fee and immediately proving his worth. Alongside him, Nick Pope and Sven Botman arrived, further strengthening the squad and shaping the club’s resurgence as a serious contender in English football.

Isak’s impact has been undeniable, and while speculation about his future continues to circulate, Newcastle remain firm in their stance.

Arsenal’s interest has persisted, particularly following his standout performance in Newcastle’s Carabao Cup win over the Gunners, but Howe and the club’s sporting director have no intention of letting him leave without a significant battle.

Newcastle’s confidence in keeping the Swedish striker stems from his long-term contract, which still has more than three years remaining. Discussions regarding an extension are expected to take place at the end of the season, reinforcing their commitment to him as a crucial part of their future.

Despite Newcastle’s resolve, speculation over a potential summer move refuses to fade. TalkSPORT pundit and former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan recently weighed in on what it would take for Isak to leave St. James’ Park.

He emphasized that two primary factors would influence any transfer: the club bidding for him and Isak’s willingness to push for a move. While Newcastle remain in control, Jordan pointed out that if a club presents itself as a significantly better opportunity in the striker’s eyes, it could change the dynamic.

However, he also stressed the financial reality of such a deal, citing Erling Haaland’s move to Manchester City as an example. With Haaland available at a bargain £55 million due to a contractual release clause, Jordan argued that had he been on the open market, he would have commanded a fee well beyond £100 million.

Applying the same logic to Isak, he believes the Newcastle forward would also be valued north of that figure, given current market trends and his immense potential.

The comparisons between Isak and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry have only fueled further excitement and transfer speculation. Their playing styles bear striking similarities, with both possessing elegance on the ball, an eye for goal, and the ability to glide past defenders with ease.

Joe Willock first likened Isak to Henry after the Swede scored a brace against Nottingham Forest in 2023, and a year later, former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott echoed that sentiment after another brilliant performance against Forest.

These comparisons have only intensified as Isak continues to shine, making him one of the most coveted forwards in the Premier League.

Jordan addressed the Henry comparisons during his TalkSPORT appearance, acknowledging the similarities while emphasizing that Isak still has a long way to go before reaching Henry’s legendary status.

However, he admitted that the striker’s class is evident, and his ability to torment defenders—particularly Arsenal’s center-backs in their recent meeting—proves he has all the attributes needed to become an elite forward.

Isak’s combination of technical ability, composure, and intelligence on the pitch makes him an invaluable asset for Newcastle, and they remain determined to build their future around him rather than entertain offers from potential suitors.

Newcastle’s stance on Isak reflects their broader ambitions. With Champions League qualification within reach, they aim to solidify their position among Europe’s elite, and keeping hold of their top players is a crucial part of that plan.

The club’s ownership and management recognize that selling a player of Isak’s caliber would send the wrong message about their aspirations. Instead, they are focused on strengthening the squad further to ensure continued progress.

The belief within the club is that very few, if any, teams could afford to meet their valuation, and even if an offer came close, Newcastle’s unwillingness to part with their star forward would likely deter any serious negotiations.

The presence of other key signings, such as Pope and Botman, further reinforces the club’s long-term vision. Pope, who recently returned from injury, faces competition from Martin Dubravka for the number-one spot, adding valuable depth to the squad.

He is expected to be in contention for Newcastle’s FA Cup tie against Birmingham City, highlighting the strength in depth that Howe has worked to build.

Meanwhile, Botman continues to establish himself as a rock at the heart of the defense, proving to be one of the smartest acquisitions of the 2022 transfer window. These signings, along with Isak, have transformed Newcastle into a side capable of challenging the traditional powerhouses of English football.

As the summer transfer window approaches, speculation will only intensify, but Newcastle remain in control of Isak’s future. The club’s confidence in their ability to retain him is not misplaced, given the significant financial and contractual barriers any interested party would face.

The comparisons to Henry, the praise from pundits, and the increasing interest from top clubs all serve as proof of Isak’s immense quality, but Newcastle see him as a cornerstone of their project rather than a player available for sale.

With ambitions of lifting silverware and securing a place in the Champions League, Newcastle are building for sustained success. Isak’s presence in the squad is a key part of that journey, and unless an astronomical offer arrives, the club’s stance is clear:

they have no intention of letting one of the Premier League’s most promising strikers leave anytime soon. The coming months may bring more speculation, but Newcastle’s focus remains firmly on the future—with Isak leading the charge.