Les Ferdinand’s off-air Sky Sports advice to Alexander Isak after Newcastle United ‘disrespect’

Former Newcastle United striker Les Ferdinand has shared his thoughts on Alexander Isak’s future, urging the Swedish star to view any interest from Arsenal as a compliment while emphasizing that he can achieve all his ambitions at St James’ Park.

Isak, who has netted 26 goals this season, has been linked with several top clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea, over the past year. Despite the speculation, Isak remains focused on his current role at Newcastle, and Ferdinand believes the club has the potential to build a team around the talented forward.

Isak’s name has frequently surfaced in connection with Arsenal this season, with pundits like Clinton Morrison and Paul Merson suggesting he could join Mikel Arteta’s side in the summer.

Ferdinand, who will be part of Sky Sports’ coverage for the Carabao Cup Final, spoke to Chronicle Live about the situation. He described the interest in Isak as a testament to his abilities, stating,

“It’s a compliment to him. I always thought that. If you’re a Newcastle fan or someone involved with the club, of course, you don’t want to lose your players, especially when they’re being talked about. It might feel disrespectful, as if Newcastle isn’t big enough to keep him, but I see it as a compliment. The best players in the world get talked about.”

Ferdinand went on to praise Isak’s talent, calling him one of the best forwards in Europe, if not the world. He stressed that Newcastle must start winning trophies and competing for Champions League spots to retain players of Isak’s caliber.

“He needs Newcastle to do that,” Ferdinand said. “He’s someone you want to build around, not take away.” The former England international highlighted Isak’s ability to perform against top defenders, citing his impressive display against Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel in the semi-finals. “They couldn’t deal with him,” Ferdinand recalled. “Now he faces Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, but as a pairing, I might rate Saliba and Gabriel higher. Considering what Isak did to Arsenal’s defense, you wonder what he can achieve at Wembley.”

Isak has been a standout performer for Newcastle this season, but there have been moments of frustration, particularly when he lacked service during matches like the one against West Ham. Ferdinand acknowledged this issue, emphasizing the need for Newcastle to play to Isak’s strengths.

“He’s been the most outstanding center-forward in the Premier League this season, perhaps in Europe, because of the way he plays,” Ferdinand said. “You just need him to have one of his A-games on Sunday. When he does, he’s unplayable.”

Despite his selfless style of play, Isak has been urged by Alan Shearer to demand better service. Ferdinand, however, appreciates Isak’s ability to create opportunities for others.

“All center-forwards have that selfish streak when it comes to scoring goals, but I like Isak’s style. He’s a 9 or a 10 because he sees passes that put others in. If he were more selfish, he might not be the Isak we’re talking about now,” Ferdinand explained.

Isak has already proven his ability to trouble top teams, as seen in Newcastle’s thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool in December. Although he missed the more recent 2-0 defeat, his presence on Sunday could be a game-changer.

Ferdinand acknowledged Liverpool’s strength under Arne Slot but expressed confidence in Newcastle’s ability to rise to the occasion. “Liverpool have been the benchmark, but Newcastle have had great periods this season too. The semi-final against Arsenal showed what we’re capable of. Eddie Howe knows how to set up against different teams, and I look forward to seeing what unfolds,” he said.

Newcastle will be without key players like Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall, and Sven Botman for the final, which Ferdinand admitted is a blow. However, he emphasized the unpredictable nature of cup competitions.

“It’s a one-off, and that’s what these competitions are all about. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter what form you’re in. You can go in as the form team and still lose if there’s a bit of complacency,” he said.

Ferdinand is hopeful that Newcastle can end their 70-year wait for domestic silverware by lifting the League Cup. He believes this team has the potential to eclipse the famous “Entertainers” side of the 1990s by winning trophies.

“You can entertain as much as you want, but at the end of the day, you want to win things. The Geordies have been waiting for so long. They just need that first piece of silverware, and hopefully, it comes on Sunday. I’m praying they can,” he said.

The Carabao Cup Final is part of a packed weekend of sports action on Sky Sports and NOW, featuring high-profile matches like Arsenal vs. Chelsea, Leicester City vs.

Manchester United, and the Old Firm and Steel City derbies, alongside events like the Australian Grand Prix, tennis from Indian Wells, and The Players Championship. For Newcastle fans, however, the focus remains firmly on Wembley and the chance to make history.