Michael Owen tells Eddie Howe exactly why he ‘simply cannot’ let Alexander Isak leave this summer
The future of Alexander Isak has become one of the hottest topics in football as speculation grows over a potential summer move to Liverpool. The Swedish striker has been in sensational form this season, netting 23 goals across all competitions and playing a pivotal role in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup triumph.
His clinical finish at Wembley in March only reinforced his reputation as one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards—and inevitably, top clubs are taking notice.
With Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool future uncertain and Arsenal also in the market for a world-class striker, Isak’s name continues to dominate transfer discussions.
However, Newcastle remain determined to keep their star man, despite the financial pressures of modern football. The 25-year-old still has over three years left on his contract, and the Magpies are prepared to make him their highest-paid player, surpassing Bruno Guimarães’ £160,000-a-week wages.
Eddie Howe sees Isak as the cornerstone of his project at St James’ Park, and the club’s hierarchy is under no illusion—only an astronomical offer would even tempt them to sell.
Michael Owen, never the most popular figure on Tyneside due to his injury-plagued spell and past comments about the club, has now weighed in on the debate.
Speaking to TalkSPORT, the former Newcastle and Liverpool striker made his stance clear: the Magpies must resist any temptation to cash in.
“If Isak was available, I think Liverpool would do everything in their power to get somebody like that,” Owen admitted. “But so would Arsenal. Arsenal are absolutely desperate for a player like that. Who wouldn’t be?”
Yet, despite acknowledging the inevitable interest from elite clubs, Owen insisted that Newcastle cannot afford to lose their talisman. “From Newcastle’s point of view, they simply cannot let him go,” he declared. “I hear what you’re saying about balancing the books and Financial Fair Play, but so what? You prefer Isak—he’s the one who is going to propel you into that elite level.”
Owen drew parallels with Liverpool’s success, highlighting the importance of retaining world-class talent. “You need special players—look at Liverpool this year. They’ve got the best centre-half, one of the best attackers in Mohamed Salah, the best goalkeeper. You have to have the very elite to compete. Isak is one you’ve just got to build your team around.”
His comments echo the sentiments of Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, who has repeatedly praised Isak’s impact. The pair may not have seen eye-to-eye during their playing days, but Shearer’s admiration for the Swede is undeniable.
Cameras even captured him celebrating wildly when Isak scored the winning goal in the Carabao Cup final—a moment that encapsulated just how vital the striker has become to the club’s ambitions.
For now, Newcastle hold all the cards. Isak is happy, Howe is building his attack around him, and the financial incentive to sell would have to be overwhelming.
But as the summer window approaches, the rumors will only intensify. One thing is certain: if Newcastle are to establish themselves among England’s elite, keeping Alexander Isak is non-negotiable.
This saga is about more than just one player—it’s a litmus test for Newcastle’s project. Can they resist the lure of a mega-money sale and keep their best assets? Or will financial constraints force their hand?
With Michael Owen, Alan Shearer, and countless pundits all in agreement, the message is clear: letting Isak go would be a monumental mistake. The coming months will reveal whether Newcastle’s owners are willing to back that belief with action.