The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
United told to consider selling Isak
Ashley’s ownership, contract negotiations were long and drawn out, and it’s hard to imagine Joelinton’s wage increase demands being agreed to - but then this is a different Newcastle United.
Although, it is somewhat ironic that the deals that were thrashed out, are now costing the current owners dearly, with players such as Isaac Hayden still with a year left to run on his current deal.
Joelinton’s new deal also serves as a note to any potential arrivals to Newcastle United - keeping your best players is a massive plus when it comes to persuading top talent to join.
Any arrival does not want to be replacing a top player but instead wants to be playing alongside them or being pushed to the next level by competing with them for a place.
Joelinton staying is also an important move for the fans as well especially ahead of a summer window in which two of the club’s other stars - Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes - will be constantly linked with an exit.
There may have to be a sale - one that will at first hurt and potentially weaken the side - but knowing Joelinton is staying will help soften the blow while the money from an exit of a team-mate is reinvested, and may even help persuade Bruno to stay on Tyneside for at least one more season.
When Joelinton’s deal is confirmed - some may look upon it as the most important signing of the summer.
NEWCASTLE United should consider selling star striker Alexander Isak if they get offers over £70million this summer because he’s too ‘injury-prone’ and struggles with the demands of Eddie Howe’s high-intensity style.
That’s the surprise verdict of former Magpies defender Jose Enrique, who feels the Swedish forward misses too many games.
Arsenal have been credited with interest in the 24-year-old, who has already bagged 19 goals for Newcastle in all competitions this season.
Isak has insisted he is happy on Tyneside and only focused on helping Newcastle achieve their goals for the season. He has, however, missed several games through injury this season in a campaign in which United have been dogged by incredibly bad luck on the injury front - and Enrique feels that should be a deciding factor.
“The problem with Alexander Isak, is that he’s always injured,” he told Grosvenor Sport.
“The way Newcastle want to play is with high intensity and pressing from the front and you can’t be expected to fulfil that if you’re getting three or four injuries every year. If someone comes along and offers them the £70m that they spent to sign him in the first place then they need to think about it.
“It’s not just a question of quality - I think Isak is that good that he can play for Liverpool or Manchester United for example but it’s a question of availability too.
“He’s too injury prone, to the extent that if someone came with a lot of money this summer which gave Newcastle the opportunity to sign someone slightly worse but consistently fit, they’d have to consider that option.”