EXCLUSIVE: Pearce urges Isak to give Newcastle one more season
Stuart Pearce believes unsettled Newcastle striker Alexander Isak should stay at St James’ Park for at least one more season amid rumours over the Swedish striker’s future.
Last month, reports emerged that 25-year-old Isak, who notched 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions for the Magpies last term, had told club chiefs he wishes to explore a move away.
Premier League champions Liverpool are thought to be the main club chasing the prolific marksman but former England captain Pearce, 63, has urged Isak to stay put on Tyneside for the 2025-26 campaign.
Speaking exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of BresBet, Pearce said: “I was surprised to be honest [that he wanted to leave].
“He had a very good season with Newcastle last year, won the Carabao Cup – the first trophy Newcastle had won in a very long time. You see the fan reaction after the win at Wembley and it was something many had waited a lifetime for.
“It’s now only a few weeks before the start of the season, Isak is under contract and Newcastle do not need to sell.
"They have added well with Elanga, so I believe he should stay for one more season at least, and then see what happens.”
Pearce also has ample experience in a Premier League dugout, having managed Manchester City before more recently assisting David Moyes at West Ham.
And the ex-defender has plenty of sympathy for the predicament Toon boss Eddie Howe and his superiors find themselves in.
Pearce said: “It’s tough for Eddie. He is preparing for another season now with Champions League football and Isak is fundamental to their entire process.
“Liverpool can bid what they like, to be honest. Newcastle don’t need the money per se – but there could be a huge figure which comes in.
“Are players worth these huge transfer fees? No. But club have bigger budgets to spend and PSR means Newcastle will have to consider things very carefully.”
The timing of Isak’s request has left Newcastle in a particularly tricky spot, with the club set to kick off their new Premier League campaign away to Aston Villa on August 16th.
Pearce believes getting a replacement of Isak’s stature is a virtually impossible task for the Magpies.
He explained: “We’re so close now to the start of the season. It’s now difficult to replace him and he isn’t replaceable for the Newcastle fans.
Stuart Pearce spoke exclusively to Odds Now on behalf of BresBet
“Of course, there could be a crazy offer that comes in but you don’t need to sell as the club is well run with good new owners.
“He is under contract, so I believe he should continue to stay and score goals for Newcastle. Champions League football returns to St James’ Park this season too, so that is another reason for him to stay put.
“Isak should stay for one more season. This should be the agreement they reach.”
Aside from this latest drama, it’s been a low-key summer on Tyneside, though Pearce is particularly excited about the Toon’s £52million purchase of Anthony Elanga from his old club Nottingham Forest.
Pearce said: “Elanga showed last year at Nottingham Forest how much of an attacking threat he can be.
“Now he heads to Newcastle and with Gordon on one wing and him on the other – it’s going to make Newcastle very exciting to watch once again.
“I hope that Isak stays – I believe he will, at least for one more season – which would mean Elanga will have a top-class striker to work with to create goals for.
“Also with his movement, he’ll give Elanga plenty of opportunities to score himself.
In front of a very passionate fan base as well, Elanga can thrive and it should be a very exciting season ahead for him and Newcastle.”
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
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