![\"Alexander](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_FBL-ENG-LCUP-LIVERPOOL-NEWCASTLE.jpg\")
Alexander Isak’s future with Newcastle United is in question(Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\nAlexander Isak has been linked with a move to Liverpool, and Newcastle United are in for a serious wake-up call if they lose their talisman if Sir Alex Ferguson’s past experiences are anything to go offAlexander Isak’s future with Newcastle United is in question(Image: AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n
Sir Alex Ferguson’s private chat about losing Cristiano Ronaldo<\/a> to Real Madrid<\/a> speaks volumes about the fate Newcastle United<\/a> face should Alexander Isak<\/a> depart. Following his \u00a360million move to the Magpies from Real Sociedad<\/a> in 2023, the Swedish striker has wasted no time whatsoever in becoming a legend on Tyneside.<\/p>\n The 25-year-old has managed 62 goals and 11 assists in 109 outings and was instrumental to the club’s fifth-place finish last season as well as their Carabao Cup<\/a> trophy, scoring the decisive goal in Newcastle’s 2-1 win<\/a> over Premier League<\/a> champions Liverpool<\/a> in the final.<\/p>\n But he’s put his Newcastle<\/a> legacy in serious jeopardy by confirming that he wishes to explore his options<\/a> away from St. James’ Park this summer. And should Isak be allowed to leave his current club ahead of the new season, former Magpies boss Pardew has noted how Eddie Howe<\/a> will be up against it in trying to find a replacement.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Anthony Gordon makes Liverpool transfer confession as Alexander Isak bid rejected<\/a>READ MORE: Arne Slot has told Hugo Ekitike exactly what he expects from him in leaked conversation<\/a><\/p>\n Speaking on talkSPORT<\/a>, Pardew said: “These are the tests you get as a Premier League manager, whether you’re at the top of the league, in the middle or at the bottom. You’re going to get tests and Eddie’s getting tested here by one of his main players.”<\/p>\n Pardew also recalled how Ferguson was once in a similar predicament when Ronaldo parted ways with the Red Devils in the summer of 2009, leaving the legendary Manchester United<\/a> manager aware that he would be unable to find a like-for-like replacement for one of football’s greatest-ever players, who was at the time just hitting his prime.<\/p>\n He added: “I remember Alex Ferguson<\/a> talking about Ronaldo. It was a game just before he was about to leave. I said, \u2018How are you going to replace him?\u2019 He said, \u2018Well, I’m not going to be able to replace him. There’s no one who can do the numbers, right?\u2019<\/p>\n “And Isak would be exactly the same. He’s not going to get anyone who can do those numbers that Isak can do. So, you’re going to have to spread it around and buy two players. That’s what Fergie did.<\/p>\n “I think he said, \u2018I’m going to buy two or three to try and replicate what he does within the team unit.’ And that’s what Eddie is going to have to do.”<\/p>\n Ferguson’s assumptions of being unable to find an outright replacement for Ronaldo were quickly proven right. While the now 83-year-old will have had high hopes for Michael Owen<\/a>, Gabriel Obertan<\/a> and Mame Diouf<\/a>, they fell well short of the pace, precision and sheer skill that Ronaldo brought to the starting XI.<\/p>\n For context, Diouf lasted just three years with the Red Devils, making just nine appearances for the first team before he was sold on to Hanover 96<\/a>, while Obertan played 27 times before he was sold on to Newcastle in 2011. Owen, meanwhile, scored 17 goals in 52 appearances before joining Stoke City<\/a> in 2012.<\/p>\n Newcastle have endured a lacklustre summer transfer window thus far, with Anthony Elanga’s \u00a355m transfer<\/a> from Nottingham Forest<\/a> coming as the side’s marquee signing. It’s not for a lack of trying, however, with the Magpies linked with the likes of James Trafford, Bryan Mbeumo<\/a> and Hugo Ekitike, only for them to join Manchester City<\/a>, Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.<\/p>\n Braced for the potential departure of Isak in the coming weeks, the Magpies are currently monitoring the situation<\/a> of RB Leipzig<\/a> striker, Benjamin Sesko<\/a>, who has impressed in the Bundesliga at the age of just 22. However, they face stiff competition from the Red Devils in their pursuit, given Ruben Amorim<\/a> is still on the hunt for a proven No. 9 to lead his attacking line, and are hindered by reports that Sesko favours a move to the north west instead of the north east.<\/p>\n The good news for Newcastle fans is that there aren’t actually many teams who can afford a mega-money swoop for Isak this summer, given that the Magpies firmly value the star at a staggering \u00a3150m. On Friday it was reported that Newcastle had also swiftly rebuffed Liverpool’s first official offer<\/a> totalling \u00a3120m for the talisman, after months of speculation on whether they would make an audacious approach considering they’ve already spent a guaranteed \u00a3100m on Florian Wirtz<\/a>.<\/p>\n Join our new WhatsApp community <\/a>and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package<\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a> \u00a343<\/p>\n \u00a335<\/p>\n Sky<\/p>\n![\"Cristiano](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_Manchester-United-v-Newcastle-United-Premier-League.jpg\")
Cristiano Ronaldo was irreplacable for Ferguson(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Alan](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/1_Alan-Pardew-File-Photo.jpg\")
Alan Pardew recalled a telling conversation with Sir Alex(Image: PA)<\/p>\n![\"Content](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/0_Sky-Factbox.jpg\")
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