16 Jul 2025 17:14:26
I'm interested to know who people would rather have between Isak and Ekitike. I understand the apprehension on buying potential after the failed Darwin project (although in my eyes he hasn't been as bad as made out. He's missed a lot of chances perhaps he shouldn't have but also scored some he shouldn't have, and important point winning ones at that. ) However I'd much prefer going for Hugo, he is younger, fitter and less expensive, not that the finances matter to me but would allow for a Fofana or someone similar within the Isak budget. He is a very similar profile if not slightly faster, he will work harder which is what we want and what we love about Nunez. Isak is absolutely brilliant there's no denying that but its well documented.
16 Jul 2025 17:28:38
Only really watched one of them. I think the key thing is Isak whilst proven in the prem also seems to be a decent chap. No massive ego or attitude that does not befit ability (ala Bruno Fernandez, Cunha, Osimen, others) . A decent player with a decent attitude makes for a team player and above all it is what we have nowadays a team with no superstars (in their own heads) but Multiple superstars (in ours)
YNWA.
16 Jul 2025 17:20:00
Hit send too soon. Isak is absolutely brilliant there's no denyting that but it's well documented about his fitness being managed tightly and thus lowering his work rate which with Salah afforded similar management, would inevitably mean we have to alter our style. I'd have either but interested to hear other's choices and reasons. Another side note I'd promote Ngumoha over signing a winger for Diaz as stated previously, still think Ekitike is better business and better for us.
16 Jul 2025 17:30:45
Isak - 3 seasons of success in the premier league for not an elite club.
Ekitike- 1 season of success in Germany which once boasted Loris Karius as their second best keeper.
Ekitike is an Isak replacement type signing. Cheaper and might work out but equally could bomb.
Sign Isak or keep your powder dry. Don’t buy players like Ekitike who are at best “a punt”.
16 Jul 2025 17:32:47
My only concern over Isak is his injury history but that's what medicals are for. If the docs ok the player, who are we to question (until he gets injured, of course) .
16 Jul 2025 17:34:33
Isak 100%
He’s a machine in front of goal.
16 Jul 2025 17:42:21
I said on here a few weeks ago I was probably the only one who didn’t want us to sign Isak, at the price mentioned. I’d definitely take him over Etikite though. Young lad is still so unproven and raw: big pressure coming to LFC too. I’d take him for about 45mil .
The more I think about Isak and potential niggling injury issues, probably only getting worse as he gets older, the more I think F**k it. Spend the money, it’s not mine who cares! And you’re going to get a guy who will guarantee 30 goals a season in this team, at least. Even if he did miss a few games and have to be managed carefully. Maybe he’s that good that it’s worth it, and the 40 games a season or so that he plays, he’s the difference maker for us.
16 Jul 2025 17:46:45
RK I wouldn't deem it fair to label Ekitike as a 'punt' if we are prepared to pay what is quoted we certainly don't feel he is a punt either, I'd imagine due dilligence has been done after Darwin's transfer. My worry is if, and big if, that it is indeed true Newcastle want both, having just secured CL it would certainly align with lightening Isak's work load, he may well pass a medical but so did Keita. Like I said I'd be happy for either but my preference definitely leans to the younger and fitter of the two. Rickie Lambert would score a hatful to this day with Wirtz and Salah supplying him.
16 Jul 2025 17:49:31
Joethered, valid argument but Sturridge springs to my mind and that's just not the risk, personally for me anyway. Who would you have if neither of the two?
16 Jul 2025 18:09:51
Zeeee, being realistic and discounting Alvarez, the only other option which I wouldn't be against, would be Oshimen.
16 Jul 2025 18:38:26
Anyone but Isak for me. I don't think he fits us or our style. With the amount he can play and his work rate, he only makes sense to me as an off the bench impact player and he's way to expensive for that. I just don't see the hype. I'd be happy if he stays at Newcastle.
16 Jul 2025 19:08:45
Alvarez is the perfect player for us, not Isak, but he has a hefty release clause apparently and a missus who hates the northwest!
16 Jul 2025 19:53:03
You’re having a laugh aren’t you snuggle? If you can’t see the quality Isak has then you should seriously question your choice of sport.
The guy is phenomenal and played 30 odd games last season so his fitness issues are hugely overstated.
If Isak is an option we should get him over anyone else. That much is blatantly obvious to anyone with an ounce of football knowledge.
16 Jul 2025 19:54:08
I agree with the Alvarez sentiments but about as likely to happen as my date with Rihanna sadly.
{Ed025's Note - well im still hoping for a date with Emilia Fox mate...so never say never..
16 Jul 2025 20:39:15
No doubting Isak’s quality but his game time was
micro-managed and he still missed games through injury. Also, we will get zero counter-press from him. And Salah no longer presses to the extent he did before.
Can we really afford two players like that in the same side?
{Ed025's Note - to be honest StEA i dont want my centre forward chasing back all the time mate, i want him in and around the opposition box creating havoc and scoring goals..
16 Jul 2025 21:34:48
30 odd games could be only half of what we would expect of him. Can’t believe with the scouting network there isn’t a alternative.