Alexander Isak ‘would snub’ Newcastle United No.9 shirt as striker future to be decided in summer

Alexander Isak has firmly established himself as Newcastle United’s main goal-scoring threat, embodying everything a No.9 represents despite not wearing the iconic jersey.

Since arriving from Real Sociedad in a club-record £63 million transfer in August 2022, the Swedish striker has consistently delivered, proving his worth with an outstanding goal return. This season alone, he has netted 19 times in 24 Premier League appearances, adding two more in cup competitions to further cement his status as one of the league’s most dangerous forwards.

Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, Isak has taken on a leadership role in Newcastle’s attack. His ability to press from the front, link up play, and create opportunities for his teammates has made him indispensable.

With Callum Wilson struggling with injuries, the responsibility of leading the line has fallen entirely on Isak’s shoulders, and he has embraced the challenge with confidence and efficiency. His all-round play has been exceptional, demonstrating not only his finishing ability but also his tactical intelligence and work rate.

Wilson remains the current holder of Newcastle’s legendary No.9 shirt, a jersey made famous by club icons such as Jackie Milburn, Alan Shearer, Andy Cole, and Malcolm Macdonald.

Shearer, in particular, left an indelible mark, scoring 206 goals to become both Newcastle and the Premier League’s all-time top scorer. However, with Wilson’s contract set to expire this summer and his future uncertain, speculation has grown over whether Isak will inherit the revered number.

While Eddie Howe is reportedly keen to offer Wilson a new deal, there is no guarantee he will stay, potentially leaving the No.9 shirt vacant.

Former Newcastle defender Danny Simpson, however, believes Isak has no interest in switching numbers. He argues that footballers often develop strong attachments to their squad numbers, especially when they experience success wearing them.

Pointing to examples like Declan Rice, who retained his No.41 after moving from West Ham to Arsenal, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues to wear No.66 despite its unconventional nature for a full-back, Simpson suggests Isak will likely stick with No.14. He insists that if the Swedish striker had any desire to claim the No.9 shirt, he would have done so already.

Isak’s impact on Newcastle has been undeniable, and his absence is keenly felt whenever he is unavailable. A recent groin injury kept him out of the midweek clash against Liverpool, and his fitness remains uncertain ahead of Newcastle’s FA Cup tie against Brighton.

Losing him at such a crucial stage of the season presents a significant challenge for Eddie Howe, especially given his recent match-winning performance against Nottingham Forest. In that thrilling 4-3 victory, Isak bagged a brace, once again proving his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

His second goal in that match was particularly noteworthy, as it marked his 50th Premier League goal—a milestone he reached in just 76 appearances. This achievement places him among elite company, with only six players in Premier League history reaching that mark in fewer games.

The exclusive group includes Erling Haaland (48 games), Andy Cole (65), Alan Shearer (66), Ruud van Nistelrooy (68), Fernando Torres (72), and Mohamed Salah (72). That statistic alone underscores Isak’s remarkable efficiency in front of goal and his potential to become one of the league’s all-time great strikers.

Simpson, who helped Newcastle win promotion to the Premier League and spent three seasons with the club in the top flight, sees clear parallels between Isak and other elite strikers.

Drawing from his experience at Leicester City, he compares the Swede’s influence on Newcastle to Jamie Vardy’s impact during their historic title-winning season. A prolific and confident striker can elevate an entire team, and Isak’s presence gives Newcastle that much-needed edge.

His ability to score in a variety of ways—whether through clinical tap-ins, long-range strikes, headers, or composed finishes under pressure—makes him a complete forward.

The former defender also admits he recognized Isak’s talent long before his rise to prominence, even signing him on Football Manager years ago. His belief in the striker’s abilities has only strengthened over time, as Isak continues to showcase the qualities of a world-class No.9.

He possesses a blend of pace, strength, and technical skill that makes him a nightmare for defenders. His confidence and slight arrogance on the pitch only add to his aura, as he plays with the conviction of a player who knows he belongs among the best.

Despite the ongoing speculation about his future and whether he will eventually don the famous No.9 shirt, Isak remains focused on the present. His primary goal is to continue delivering for Newcastle, helping them push for European qualification while further enhancing his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top strikers.

Whether he wears No.9 or sticks with No.14, his performances speak louder than any number on his back. As long as he continues to find the back of the net with the same consistency, he will remain the focal point of Newcastle’s attack and a player fans can rely on to lead the club forward.