Ian Wright has said it is not fair to hype up a potential summer move for Alexander Isak this summer because Newcastle has become a destination for players thanks to Eddie Howe
Ian Wright has said it is “disrespectful” to discuss Newcastle United losing Alexander Isak to Arsenal or another Premier League club in this summer’s transfer window. But the Gunners legend does admit the Toon could badly do with securing a return to next season’s UEFA Champions League so they can fend off any potential interest during the off-season.
Newcastle have no intention of selling top scorer Isak or any of their other big names but returning to the Champions League will hold the key. They have already guaranteed a Europa League spot thanks to defeating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
And Wright, speaking on The Kelly and Wrighty Show, reckons St James’ Park is now a destination that players want to flock to because of Eddie Howe’s management, rather than a place that can be used as a stepping stone.
“I think it’s vital that they do get themselves in the Champions League,” Wright said. “Winning that trophy has given them the confidence to go forward.
“I look at Newcastle as a place now where people will want to go. There was a period where people were saying, ‘What’s happening with Eddie, is he gonna leave?’
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“I think it’s quite disrespectful people saying about Isak, who’s going to buy Isak. I think they can probably keep Isak and bring the quality in like we’ve seen with (Sandro) Tonali.
“I like the way it’s switched around with Eddie, because I’m sure when Newcastle got taken over, people thought there was going to be a lot of money spent. It hasn’t worked like that, and he’s built a really good team. Them winning that trophy and playing like they’re playing, I really hope they do make it.”
Newcastle are fourth in the table with a game in hand over most of their rivals but Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa are all within two points.
That extra game comes on Wednesday night against FA Cup semi-finalists Crystal Palace, with assistant manager Jason Tindall once again taking charge of the team while Howe recovers from pneumonia in hospital.
Tindall said he is prepared to take charge for as long as required, stressing that the priority for Howe is returning to full health. He is also expected to be in charge for the weekend trip to Aston Villa.
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