Howe Determined to Retain ‘World-Class’ Isak at Newcastle

Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has secured his inaugural Premier League hat-trick, marking the third such achievement in his club career, a milestone that perhaps arrived later than both he and his manager anticipated. Following a decisive treble during Newcastle’s 4-0 away victory against Ipswich Town, manager Howe lauded the Swedish player as a “world-class talent” and emphasized his commitment to retaining Isak at the club, particularly with the January transfer window approaching. The 25-year-old has now accumulated 10 Premier League goals this season, placing him just three goals behind the league’s leading scorers, Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Erling Haaland from Manchester City. This brings his total to 41 Premier League goals across 67 appearances for Newcastle since his transfer from Real Sociedad in August 2022 for a club record sum of £63m, and he has now claimed his initial match ball. “It’s been a long time coming for Newcastle, my first one here,” he stated. “I’m buzzing. Scoring goals will give confidence and help me and the team. It doesn’t matter if it’s one, two or three.” Isak’s achievement makes him only the second Swedish footballer to register a Premier League hat-trick, following Freddie Ljungberg’s feat for Arsenal against Sunderland in 2003. Furthermore, this marks the first treble scored by a Newcastle player in the league since Ayoze Perez netted three goals against Southampton in 2019. “I’m surprised it has taken him this long to get a hat-trick with his talent, but I’m pleased,” Howe commented. “His first hat-trick for Newcastle is a great moment and we take pride in our players playing well.” Alexander Isak is now the 12th distinct Newcastle player to achieve a Premier League hat-trick. Supporters of Newcastle who undertook the extensive journey from the north-east to Suffolk were immediately rewarded when Isak scored his initial goal after merely 26 seconds, converting a loose ball following an uncleared cross from the right by Jacob Murphy. Murphy then scored a second goal, followed by Isak securing his second, and Newcastle’s third, shortly before the interval. This goal came after Ipswich goalkeeper Arijanet Muric attempted a pass to Jens Cajuste, who subsequently lost possession to Bruno Guimaraes, leaving Isak with an straightforward finish. His hat-trick was completed swiftly thereafter, with a clinical finish at the near post, once again assisted by Murphy. “Alex is a world-class talent,” Howe further stated. “The way he took his goals, he has that coolness and composure very few have. When you add into the mix his technical skills, I think he’s got it all.” “He has unique skills, and the challenge is to get him into the game as much as we can. Earlier in the season we weren’t doing that, but now the team are performing much better.” “He’s a player with a real confidence and we’re seeing a return to his really best levels – that’s highlighted by the goals he has scored.” Isak had previously achieved hat-tricks for Real Sociedad versus Alaves in La Liga in 2021, and for Willem II against Fortuna Sittard in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2019. As the transfer window is set to open next week, Howe acknowledges that Newcastle, not participating in European competition this season, will likely contend to retain their striker in the long term, though he expresses optimism that Isak can achieve trophy success at St James’ Park. “There’s no part of me or anyone at Newcastle that wants to let Alex go,” Howe further remarked. “He’s very much part of our long-term plans. He’s first class.” “He’s motivated and wants to do well. He has big aspirations with his career but he’s still relatively young. His desire to score goals is second to none and regarding his future, everything has been positive. I would love for him to contribute to us winning a trophy.” “I don’t think contract talks have started, but he has a long contract and when the time comes that will be discussed by Alex’s representatives and the football club.” “He’s very popular in the dressing room and that’s not always the case with an out-and-out goalscorer. He plays for the team, not just for himself, and he’s always willing to learn. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”