Alexander Isak, a coveted target for major football clubs such as Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, and Liverpool, recently commented on his future at Newcastle United, showing no inclination to depart from his current club. After celebrating Newcastle's League Cup victory on March 16, 2025, the 25-year-old striker spoke to Swedish news agency TT while on international duty with Sweden. He will participate in two friendly matches: against Luxembourg on March 22 and Northern Ireland on March 25.
Isak, who has three years remaining on his contract with Newcastle, expressed a deep affection for the club and city, stating, “There’s not much to say, really. I’ve discussed my situation and my feelings about Newcastle many times. It’s clear how much I love the city and the club, and how well I feel here.” His focus remains solely on Newcastle as the team aims to secure a spot in next season’s Champions League, and he added, “I’m not thinking about the future. I just want to play for Newcastle. We’ve just won the trophy, but we want to finish strongly and reach the Champions League. That’s where my focus is.”
Isak played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s recent League Cup triumph, having scored the decisive goal against Liverpool at Wembley, which marked a 70-year title drought for the club. Currently, Newcastle sits sixth in the Premier League with 47 points, just two points behind Chelsea, who occupies the fourth position. As the season approaches its conclusion, Isak remains committed to achieving greater heights with the club, stating, “This season isn’t over yet. There are still nine matches to go. We’ve had a great season so far, but I have bigger ambitions and want to finish with a stronger performance.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle is exploring the possibility of immortalizing Bruno Guimarães, their captain and integral player in the League Cup victory. The Brazilian midfielder, aged 27, joined Newcastle in early 2022 from Lyon and has quickly become a fan favorite. Following the historic title win, rumors have emerged that the club is considering constructing a statue in his honor. While these discussions are still in the preliminary stages, they underline the significance of Guimarães’ contributions to the team.
In a previous interview in 2023, Guimarães had remarked on his desire to achieve significant success with Newcastle, suggesting that he might someday be honored alongside the club’s legendary striker, Alan Shearer. “Here at Newcastle, the fans love me even though I haven't won anything yet. I can only imagine what it will be like when we become champions,” he said at the time.
Reflecting on the recent achievement, Guimarães expressed his joy, stating, “I have no words. It’s the best day of my life. For the fans, it’s like a World Cup. Many generations grew up without seeing Newcastle win. In my first year as captain, we achieved this. It’s unbelievable.” The emotional moment was captured in an interview with Sky Sports after the League Cup final, where he emphasized, “We did this for our fans. They deserve everything.”
Newcastle United has a rich history of honoring its legends, with statues dedicated to former players like Jackie Milburn, who played between 1943 and 1957, and Alan Shearer, the all-time leading goal-scorer in the Premier League. Guimarães’ potential statue would honor his pivotal role in breaking a lengthy period of underachievement for the club, alongside the likes of Shearer and Sir Bobby Robson, who managed Newcastle with distinction in the early 2000s.
The current Newcastle team has made significant strides since Guimarães' arrival, escaping relegation and finishing fourth in the Premier League in the 2022/23 season, which allowed them to return to the Champions League for the first time in two decades. His overall statistics reflect his impact: 144 appearances, 20 goals, and 24 assists, reinforcing his status as a key player for Newcastle.
As the season draws to a close, speculation about Guimarães’ future continues, with his consistent performances attracting interest from major clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Yet, for now, his focus remains on solidifying Newcastle's position in the Premier League and continuing their journey in European competitions.
The atmosphere at St. James' Park, where fans frequently display banners and jerseys supporting Guimarães, exemplifies his popularity and influence on and off the pitch. Chants celebrating his skills have become a staple among Newcastle supporters, reflecting the connection he has established with the club and its loyal fanbase.
In summary, both Isak and Guimarães are symbols of Newcastle United's resurgence, representing a new era for the club as they pursue both domestic and European glory. While Isak is determined to focus solely on the present and the immediate goals with Newcastle, Guimarães embodies the aspirations of the club's future. Their commitment and passion resonate deeply with fans, as they both play crucial roles in what promises to be an exciting next chapter for Newcastle United.
