Alan Shearer asks Alexander Isak if he’d want to take Newcastle United’s number 9 shirt

Alexander Isak has quickly established himself as a prolific goalscorer for Newcastle United, proving his worth with every performance. Despite wearing the number 14 shirt since arriving as the club’s record signing, his impact has drawn comparisons to Thierry Henry, another legendary forward who once donned the same number.

While 14 has become synonymous with Isak’s name at Newcastle, the number nine shirt carries special significance for fans, representing a legacy of legendary strikers.

That prestigious number currently belongs to Callum Wilson, a player who has delivered consistently when fit. However, as Isak continues to assert his dominance in the team, it seems increasingly likely that he will be the next to inherit the famous shirt.

Reports suggest that Isak is expected to take over the number nine, with Wilson’s future at Newcastle uncertain. Now in the final year of his contract, Wilson is widely expected to move on in the summer, paving the way for Isak to step into the role.

While no official decision has been made, discussions surrounding the transition have gained momentum, particularly after Alan Shearer, Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer, raised the question directly with Isak during an interview.

Shearer, who knows better than anyone what it means to wear the number nine, asked if the thought of claiming the iconic shirt had crossed Isak’s mind. In response, the Swedish striker acknowledged the significance of the number, admitting that while he is happy with 14, he understands how special the number nine is to the Newcastle supporters.

Isak’s arrival at Newcastle coincided with Wilson already holding the number nine, leaving him with no choice but to select a different squad number. A similar situation occurred when Shearer joined the club in 1996.

At that time, the number nine belonged to Les Ferdinand, who had been outstanding for Newcastle. However, Shearer, eager to carry on the tradition of legendary strikers wearing the shirt, approached Ferdinand and asked if he would be willing to pass it on. Ferdinand graciously agreed, allowing Shearer to take the number that would later become synonymous with his legendary status at St. James’ Park.

Reflecting on that moment, Shearer once shared that growing up in Newcastle, he always understood the importance of the number nine. He cited heroes like Jackie Milburn and Malcolm Macdonald as inspirations, recognizing that the shirt carried immense meaning for supporters.

Shearer went on to justify his claim to the number nine in the best possible way, scoring a record-breaking 206 goals for Newcastle United. His legacy remains unmatched, but there is growing optimism that Isak could one day carve out a similar place in club history.

His goal-scoring ability, composure under pressure, and natural talent have already made him a fan favorite, and if he continues on his current trajectory, he could cement his place among Newcastle’s greatest strikers.

If Wilson departs in 2025 as anticipated, Isak will have the opportunity to make the switch, marking a new chapter in his Newcastle career. The transition would not only symbolize his rise to being the club’s leading striker but also give supporters another reason to celebrate, as history has shown that Newcastle’s number nine carries immense weight. The change would also be significant from a commercial standpoint, likely driving a surge in shirt sales as fans embrace the new era.

Newcastle United has a long tradition of powerful, iconic forwards leading the line, and Isak appears destined to follow in that lineage. While he remains focused on contributing to the team, his inevitable transition to the number nine shirt feels like a matter of time.

His performances continue to justify the belief that he is the future of Newcastle’s attack, and when the moment arrives, he will have the opportunity to write his own legacy as the club’s next great number nine.