Move over Wilson: Newcastle now have Isak’s replacement in sensational Toon teen
Newcastle United has found itself leaning heavily on Alexander Isak to lead their attack as they aim for a top-four Premier League finish.
The Swedish forward is currently one of the top strikers in England, and his performances this season are a testament to that. With four goals and one assist in seven games for both club and country, Isak has proven to be a key player for both Newcastle and the Swedish national team.
His importance to Eddie Howe’s squad cannot be overstated, and as long as he remains healthy, he is poised to lead the Magpies back into European competition.
However, the rise of Isak brings up questions about the future of another key player—Callum Wilson. Wilson has been a reliable presence for Newcastle since joining the club in 2020, but with Isak’s emergence, his role in the squad has diminished. The English striker has had an impressive career, but his time at Newcastle may be nearing an end.
Wilson’s contribution to Newcastle over the years is notable. Purchased for £20 million from Bournemouth, Wilson has been a consistent goal scorer for the Magpies.
During his time on the south coast, he netted 67 goals for Bournemouth, catching the eye of Newcastle, where he continued to shine. Over the course of four seasons with Newcastle, Wilson has scored 48 goals in 108 matches, averaging nearly a goal every other game. This goal-scoring rate makes him one of the more reliable forwards in the Premier League.
A look at Wilson’s Premier League statistics reveals his consistency:
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 (Newcastle) | 20 | 9 | 1 |
| 2022/23 (Newcastle) | 31 | 18 | 5 |
| 2021/22 (Newcastle) | 18 | 8 | 0 |
| 2020/21 (Newcastle) | 26 | 12 | 5 |
| 2019/20 (Bournemouth) | 35 | 8 | 1 |
| 2018/19 (Bournemouth) | 30 | 14 | 9 |
| 2017/18 (Bournemouth) | 28 | 8 | 2 |
| 2016/17 (Bournemouth) | 20 | 6 | 0 |
| 2015/16 (Bournemouth) | 13 | 5 | 0 |
While Wilson has been a solid option for Newcastle, injuries have hampered his ability to contribute consistently. Since the start of the 2022/23 campaign, Wilson has missed 42 matches in all competitions.
His inability to stay fit has limited his impact, and with the signing of Isak, Wilson has found himself playing a secondary role in the team.
Isak’s arrival has shifted the dynamics at Newcastle, and if the Swedish forward continues his form, he could soon attract interest from other clubs. Chelsea, among others, reportedly had their eye on Isak during the summer transfer window, seeking to strengthen their attack.
Although nothing materialized, Isak’s performances have ensured he remains on the radar of top European clubs. Should Newcastle miss out on Champions League qualification, the club may find it difficult to keep hold of their star striker.
As Newcastle contemplates life with or without Isak, the conversation naturally turns to potential replacements.
Does Newcastle have a player within their academy who could eventually step into Isak’s shoes? In recent years, the club hasn’t been known for producing young talent, but there are a few emerging stars who could change that narrative.
Lewis Miley, an 18-year-old midfielder, made waves last season with 26 appearances, including three in the Champions League. Miley is seen as a potential future star for the Magpies and could secure the club a major profit in the coming years.
Another young player generating excitement is Ben Parkinson. At 19, Parkinson made his debut last season, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 loss to Bournemouth in November 2023.
Although he hasn’t had much first-team experience, Parkinson was included on the bench for key Champions League fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.
Parkinson, who operates as either a right-winger or center-forward, has demonstrated his ability at the youth level.
His recent form for Newcastle’s U18 and U21 squads includes 11 goals and five assists for the younger age group and 10 goal involvements in 28 matches for the U21s.
His potential has not gone unnoticed, with U21 coach Ben Dawson praising his knack for being in the right place at the right time. Parkinson has trained with the first team on several occasions, and his consistent performances have earned him a reputation as one of Newcastle’s most promising prospects.
As Wilson approaches the end of his contract and Isak’s future remains uncertain, Parkinson could be the next academy graduate to make an impact on the first team.
With opportunities likely to arise, the teenager will have the chance to prove himself as a viable option for Eddie Howe. If he succeeds, it could inspire a new wave of young talent at Newcastle, providing the club with the foundation for sustained success.
While Newcastle’s immediate focus remains on securing a top-four finish, the future of their forward line will be a topic of discussion in the coming months.
Whether through youth development or transfers, the Magpies will need to plan for life beyond their current stars. If Parkinson continues his upward trajectory, he could be the player to fill the void left by Wilson or Isak and become a key figure in Newcastle’s attack for years to come.
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