Alexander Isak missed Newcastle’s barnstorming clash against potential suitors Liverpool as he pushes for a move to Anfield but there could still be a twist in the tale
Apparently, club co-owner Jamie Reuben and representatives from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund – the majority shareholders – popped round to Alexander Isak’s place for a cuppa and a chat ahead of the game at a lively St James’ Park.
Re-integration, it seems, was up for discussion. And it is possible, of course, but it will take a fair amount of contrition from the striker if he decides he wants to be revered again in these parts.
This is a fanbase that prides itself on its unity, as was noisily demonstrated throughout a febrile night. However wronged he feels, Isak has disrespected that unity. But strip away the heightened emotions of all interested parties and there is an obvious, unavoidable truth that would facilitate an Isak-Toon reconciliation.
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Newcastle – and, obviously, they are far from alone in this – desperately need a world-class striker. And they happen to have one on their books.
Ahead of the Ryan Gravenberch opener just after the half-hour mark, would Newcastle have converted their superiority into goals had Isak been leading the line? It is impossible to be sure but they certainly would have stood a better chance and you would have fancied Isak to capitalise on the uncertainty that characterised Ibrahima Konate’s performance.
He would certainly have made a better fist of trying to convert the two opportunities that fell to Anthony Gordon in a central position, misses that might have contributed to the Newcastle player’s moment of madness that saw him sent off just before half-time.
It is a long way back for Isak after a turbulent summer when he has made it clear he wants to leave St James’s Park for Anfield. The Sweden striker’s statement last week appeared to sever all ties and it looked as if there was no way back for a player who is being cast as the best in the world.
Isak has got pace, movement and goals. He looks a class act and is the sort of centre forward this fanbase absolutely adore. They love a No.9 up here – and he is still theirs at least for now. Can they really afford to lose him right now? Of course not.
The backdrop and build-up saw Newcastle have another bid turned down for yet another striker, this time in Wolves’ Norwegian Jørgen Strand Larsen. Let’s not fool ourselves. He is not even comparable to Isak. Isak’s quality is off the charts and you could not replace him with two strikers let alone one. And time is running out fast.
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That is why Newcastle just have to bite the bullet and bring Isak back. This stadium is glorious and, at its best, is loud and inspiring. Furthermore, football fans can forgive and forget. That is what they do. And Isak will have the perfect apology: goals.
Isak was a hero before this summer, he has alienated a city but the banner in the Gallowgate before kick off said it all. It was about Newcastle being united, no-one can do it on their own and they are together.
Now, if anything, this result proves Liverpool do not necessarily need Isak – and yet Newcastle desperately need him back.