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Is Isak DONE at Newcastle? | Transfer Latest, Eddie Howe’s Plans & Champions League Outlook
2 Playsin 3 hours
In this episode of The Daily Newcastle Podcast, Michael Grahamslaw is joined by Iain Mackay to break down the latest surrounding Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United. Will he stay, or is a move to Liverpool or elsewhere inevitable?
We also dive into:
⚫ Eddie Howe’s transfer wishlist — can Newcastle land FOUR more signings?
⚫ The impact of losing Isak and how it could affect prices across the board
⚫ What Newcastle’s season could look like if the transfer window closed today
⚫ Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League predictions with the current squad
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Transcript
Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:00:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Hello and welcome to the Daily Newcastle Podcast. I'm Mike Grimsle and joining me today is the ever insightful and always delightful Ian McKay.
00:00:21
Iain
ah that Well, I'm buzzing now. Ever insightful and always delightful. That feels a lot better than hasn't spoken a word of sense at any moment I've ever known him for, which I think I had to live through a week or two ago. But there you go.
00:00:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ian, how are you doing this?
00:00:37
Iain
No, lovely.
00:00:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:00:37
Iain
I'm good.
00:00:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Here at the moment, we all say lovely things to each other.
00:00:39
Iain
I'm good.
00:00:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
But that is the passion that comes with football.
00:00:45
Iain
Yeah.
00:00:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
But good to hear you're doing well, man.
00:00:48
Iain
Absolutely.
00:00:49
Global Sports Podcast Network
Good to hear you're doing well.
Alexander Isaac's Future at Newcastle
00:00:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
So we're going to go straight into the big story of the week.
00:00:54
Iain
Thank you.
00:00:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's obviously dominating conversation across the world. And no, I'm not talking about the horrible situation at Morecambe or the fact that Sheffield Wednesday is falling apart, which you wouldn't know if you saw any major news outlet.
00:01:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
It just seems to be online that people care about that. It is indeed Alexander Isaac, who returned to the place that he works today. Massive shock.
00:01:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Man returns to work. And this was spotted at the training ground on Monday for a couple of issues where he nursed that ongoing thigh issue, which is apparently giving him a lot of trouble.
00:01:30
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Let's be honest, but ah we're going to cut all the horrendous, is it really a thigh issue, Ian? I'm just going to go straight to the million pound question or maybe 150 million pound question.
00:01:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Do we think we'll see Alexander Izak in a Newcastle shirt again?
00:01:51
Iain
I think that... um if circumstances dictate that we don't need to see him again, i.e. Sesco says yes, WISA comes on board, but I think we'll sell him to Liverpool, provide him we get value, probably in time for him to play against us in, what is it, three weeks, because that will release the funds that we need to move quickly in the last few weeks of the window to strengthen the areas which we haven't really talked about for at least a month, centre-back,
00:02:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, something like
00:02:26
Iain
midfield, um maybe an extra mid, maybe two midfielders. Now Willick's got crocked for the first month of the season.
00:02:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:02:33
Iain
um So my gut feel is, no, we're not going to see him in a shirt again. We're going to cash him in. As we've talked about before, strikers are premium value at the moment. Just look at at people being asked for 50 and 60 million for strikers approaching their 30s, like Watkins and Wisser, really.
00:02:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:02:55
Iain
and we'll get maximum value for Isak this summer, I think. We'll cash him in.
Transfer Market Challenges for Newcastle
00:03:01
Iain
However, i do think that if needs must, and a lot of what Eddie Howe said yesterday about not training straight away and having to earn the right to train with Newcastle United if you've behaved poorly, yep, it was a kind of semi-public reprimand to Isak, but I think it left the door open if necessary.
00:03:26
Iain
for an apology, a signing of a contract with a release clause for next summer and him to come back into the fold if we can't get Champions League level centre forward to replace.
00:03:41
Global Sports Podcast Network
but This is the issue, isn't it?
00:03:41
Iain
So that's me sitting on the fence for
00:03:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's all right. You've gave two great points. To be honest, there's always a fence to sit on. But i think for me, i don't... I really want the deal to happen as soon as possible. So we actually have the time to go and get players in. You know, we need four...
00:04:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
realistically at a minimum, but I don't see Liverpool trying to push forward with the deal in the next two weeks. I think, let's be honest, they put that first bid in 110, 115, whatever you want to call it.
00:04:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
They knew they weren't getting his left leg for that. um And I think realistically, they put that in just to say, right, Alex, we've done our bid, we've put a bid in.
00:04:21
Iain
Thank you.
00:04:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now you have to force the issue and realistically torch the relationship between player and club. um So yeah, i can't see it happening in the next two weeks. i do think it's going to be one of those that happens late in the window.
00:04:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I do think Newcastle are I know our boardroom isn't exactly filled with geniuses right now in a lot of people's minds, and we all do think, you know, oh, I could be doing better than that.
00:04:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I think it's one of those where, let's be honest, they are clever people. They will know that Izak is probably going to leave. Let's spend the money before we get it back in because that 80 million for Sesco goes to 100, et cetera.
00:05:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
But, yeah, that market you mentioned earlier, WISA, what was it, 50 million? Watkins, 60. There's not a market there for Australia, guess, at the minute, is there? Really isn't.
00:05:21
Iain
that's it The thing is that that that there's a premium for them. I mean, there's a premium premium for wingers. Who would have thought that, you know, Mbwemo and Cunha and sort of fairly second tier.
00:05:36
Iain
they're good players. I know they're good players. And Lange, all of that type of standard. It's 50, 60 million plus to actually get the deals finished, which is, don't know.
00:05:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. Yeah.
00:05:49
Iain
I mean, is it a reaction to the fact that the Club World Cup has thrown another billion into the pot this summer? Because it has.
00:06:00
Iain
i mean, it might have gone into the it might have just gone into the hands of the few. But if the few include Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, and and they are spending, and when they're spending, they're putting cash into other people's hands.
00:06:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:06:16
Iain
don't know. Does more cash mean that the price goes up? um It's all piff cash as well, which is ridiculous. Different point altogether. But it it all seems to stem from our owners, if you trace it back far enough, whether it's Al-Hilal transfer fees being chucked at Darwin Nunes or prize money in this new...
00:06:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:06:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. 90 million, they're saying, potentially, in total.
00:06:41
Iain
Oh, God, I know.
00:06:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Euros, I think that is. But yeah, it's the stupidest thing I've ever heard. 90 million euros. but Darwin Nunes in total. Now, that's probably slightly inflated. That's what I've seen.
00:06:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
We know that they had a £70 million bid rejected in January, where Nunes basically said, no, I don't want to go to Saudi.
00:06:59
Iain
Thank you.
00:07:02
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, let's be honest, Liverpool will actively force him out of the club if it means getting Alexander Azak. So, There's no doubt that Nunes will go.
00:07:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
AC Milan also interested, but let's be honest, you're probably not getting more than 45, 50 out of them, and they've rejected that already from Napoli. So unless Nunes goes to Saudi, which he's already said he doesn't want to do, that ah that doesn't look like it's actually going to happen. But at the same time, bids of that manner for Darwin Nunes, if you put yourself back to when we sold Alain San Maxima,
00:07:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh, we've got to check that it's proper value. Is Alan San Maximan really worth 20 million? he He was a hell of a lot closer than what Darwin Nunes was to 90. Because there's definitely no fitness for purpose signing there.
00:07:48
Iain
oh
00:07:52
Iain
Well, you know, there's a case in point. If Alan St Maximan's 20 million, let's say with inflation, he's we'd be 25 if it was this year.
00:07:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:01
Iain
He's not half winger that Elanga is or what do you call him? Mbembo. Mbembo. can't even say that name. Mbwemo.
00:08:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:08:14
Iain
I mean, you know, and then and then to think, it actually got scrutinised, didn't it? Pulled to bits as to whether 20 million was fair value.
00:08:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:08:21
Iain
It's like it was overpaid.
00:08:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's ridiculous.
00:08:23
Iain
Yeah. um But I guess these are, you know, because of our owners, we've we've got a and because of the threat to the big six, we have to sort of comply with these rules that get thrown at us.
00:08:38
Iain
A lot of them seem to have been invented purely to put the kibosh on us doing a City or doing a Chelsea.
00:08:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. No, you
00:08:46
Iain
And it this is what I said probably earlier than a lot of us on the pod thought when I started advocating to get rid of Izak now because he'll never be worth more than he is now because we need to trade in order to compete.
00:08:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
did.
00:09:00
Iain
We've got a loss
00:09:02
Iain
we've got a big loss big deficit in income to make up and the only way we can do that quickly is by trading and that's what that's what we'll do if we can get rid of EZAC
00:09:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think it's one of those where we don't really know how it's going to go this summer, but we're getting to the point of time's running out. And we mentioned there, Al-Halal, PIF money going everywhere.
00:09:27
Global Sports Podcast Network
If Darwin Nunes does end up signing for Al-Halal, that does mean that one Alexander Mitrovic will lose his spot in the squad.
00:09:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, I checked this a little bit earlier, and he has already theyre not registered basically him and Renan Lodi ah the the Brazilian left back are currently not registered with the club which means they're both likely to leave and a third player would have to leave by the way if for Saudi rule league rules for Nunes to actually come into the fold Alexander Mitrovic back at Newcastle United would you be as a backup would you be disappointed or is it something you would you would like to see
00:10:11
Iain
mean know Would that be honour free? Because he's not registered.
00:10:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
Unfortunately, we'd still probably have to pay a penny. A pretty penny, should I say.
00:10:21
Iain
I was a fan, big fan of Mitro. um I know he had ah disciplinary problems when he first arrived, but they seemed to get ironed out.
00:10:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, so.
00:10:31
Iain
And the thing is, what an explosive striker he was.
00:10:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:35
Iain
you know Certainly certainly if it's a choice between him or bringing Calvert-Lewin in as a backup, I'd take Mitro in a heartbeat.
00:10:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
No-brainer, isn't it?
00:10:46
Iain
And Premier League proven, not just with Newcastle, but also later on, he was he was prolific at Fulham, wasn't he?
00:10:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:10:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, absolutely fantastic we record at Fulham. And to be honest, he's he's had a pretty... It's been just as good in the Saudi Pro League over the last two seasons. But his last season with Fulham in the Premier League,
Squad Depth and Injury Concerns
00:11:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
24 appearances, 14 goals.
00:11:09
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you need someone to come off the bench and do a job, but it does seem like alan Alexander Mitrovic could be the man
00:11:09
Iain
Thank you.
00:11:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But again, Alexander Mitteridge is probably the one, in my opinion, where we wouldn't be overpaying for someone who's relatively adequate.
00:11:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
But just to end part one there, Ian, I want to get your take on, obviously, you mentioned cashing in on Alexander Iza. um But do you think if it comes to paying, I mean, we've mentioned Nunes, Sesko, Wissar there, let's say we don't get Sesko.
00:11:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
And, you know, you're looking at, all right, it's Watkins, 30, 60 million. with it I think it two years left, maybe. Nicholas Jackson's there for 100. mean, I don't think anyone in their right mind's doing that.
00:11:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
Wisser, one year, 50 million. Do you cash in on Alexander Ezek at 150 million? Or actually, let's say 130, because I don't think Liverpool are going to offer 150.
00:12:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
And do you overpay for someone who realistically... is just a little bit better than adequate? Or do you keep one of the world's top strikers for another year, even though he's only giving you 80% and just sell him for 30, 40 million less next year?
00:12:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
What do you think?
00:12:24
Iain
Well, that's the same that is the same question, isn't it? It's down entirely down to whether Eddie can coax
00:12:34
Iain
his outback to wanting to play for Newcastle again. If his heart's set on going to Liverpool and he's going to down tools and be a de disruptive influence and only be half-arsed when he plays, like he was in the last 10 games of the season, remember, um then i wouldn't I wouldn't keep him. I would get the cash in. And, ah you know, I don't think...
00:12:53
Iain
I don't think a striker like Wisser, who I'm really looking forward to come to, I don't think he's just barely adequate. I think he's a great striker. And I think, you know, he might not have a ah long, a lot of sell-on value after three or four years, but I think his goals will be priceless.
00:13:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Just to add, maybe I've sounded like i said something different, but i just said just better than adequate. um Not barely adequate.
00:13:19
Iain
All right.
00:13:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
He's definitely the other side of adequate.
00:13:21
Iain
I'm ready.
00:13:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah and yeah, I'd say even, to be honest, but just better than adequate, maybe for Wissar, who's had a fantastic season, and is maybe a bit harsh.
00:13:23
Iain
It definitely is. Okay.
00:13:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
But there are a lot of players out there. And I do agree, you know, if you can't get Isaac to play 75% his best, And let's be honest, we didn't see the best of them towards the end of the season. We all thought that was because of the injury.
00:13:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Who knows, really, these days. um But yeah, it's so really it's a really difficult one. Anything more to say on the striker front?
00:13:54
Iain
don't Yeah, a job well, I just don't think that we will. um I don't think we'll have two Wissers. I don't think, for example, Wisser and Watkins is feasible.
00:14:06
Iain
I don't think they'll lay out 40, 50 million on two players who are going to have no sell-on value.
00:14:06
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:14:12
Iain
That's why they're going for Sesco, of course. But then there are other targets that we could bring in who are much younger that could be improved. The yeah Ramos at PSG was mentioned, and they've got...
00:14:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:14:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:14:24
Iain
a They've got a very thick dossier on him because they've been after him since he was a teenager, I think. um So, you know, yeah, I think i think if Whisser comes in, they're going to be looking for a younger striker.
00:14:34
Iain
My personal favourite, Strand Larsson.
00:14:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
yes
00:14:39
Iain
ah I'll tell you what I saw. And you just just calm down, right? He's still a young man. He's still ready to be revitalised and to develop into the player that he looked like he was going to develop in with the right management.
00:14:54
Iain
But Hoyland's available for 30 million.
00:15:00
Iain
They said that with a straight face.
00:15:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
And with that, ah I was about to go straight to an advert and cut you off there. I'm not going to lie. Yeah, Rasmus Hoyland, 30 million. It's about time that Man United found his real value, but it's ah it's a shame they couldn't do that when they signed him.
00:15:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
um but Yeah, on that note, I'm going to head straight to the Bionic adverts.
00:15:33
Iain
Thank you.
00:16:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
All right, let's go to the bigger picture. Yes, there is something bigger than Alexander Azak at 150 million. We've got four weeks left of the window.
00:16:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
um As we're recording in this, four weeks from now is the 1st of September. So
Transfer Strategies and Targets
00:16:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
we'll currently in four weeks be sitting there probably thinking, How have we only got this in? But hopefully not.
00:16:22
Iain
Thank you.
00:16:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
Alanga's in. Ramsdale's in. But Eddie Howe says he still wants three or four more signings. I sort of think I remember seeing four yesterday. I've seen three today.
00:16:35
Global Sports Podcast Network
Ambitious, considering we've only got two in. Definitely. um But, Ian, do you reckon we'll we'll get those four over the line? Or do you think it's more likely to be two or three and then trying to get a little loan in before the buzzer hits?
00:16:50
Iain
Well, I think he probably counts loans as signings because Ramsdale's a loan and we're counting that as a signing.
00:16:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:16:58
Iain
um But I think a minimum requirement, absolute minimum requirement is four, isn't it? Two strikers.
00:17:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
I would say so, yeah.
00:17:06
Iain
I'm assuming he's at goes. Two strikers, definitely a centre-back. in my In my book, probably two.
00:17:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'd agree.
00:17:14
Iain
um And having seen how Jamal Lasalles was shaping up, and how Emil Craft is shaping up in the in pre-season games.
00:17:25
Iain
I think if we think we just need one person to cover Schar and Byrne and Botman's place in the injury treatment room, ah we're wrong. We need two centre-halves.
00:17:36
Iain
And, you know, midfield. We've got four fit midfielders. When Willock gets injured for four to six weeks, he's usually out for for four to six times.
00:17:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:17:48
Iain
So I think we need two midfielders because Longstaff was sold and we're still not strengthening in the numbers that we had. um Fair enough, I think the quality of each of the signings we've done is strengthening the depth of quality in the squad.
00:17:56
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. degree, yeah.
00:18:03
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah degree yeah
00:18:03
Iain
But numbers-wise, we've got no more in the squad now than we had when we had that disastrous injury-ridden season but the last time we were in the Champions League.
00:18:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. You're right. And I think you make a great point there about the quality of player being brought in much better. But obviously the quantity is a little bit less. And it's obvious that we've kind of tried to go for that quality over quantity approach.
00:18:25
Iain
Thank you.
00:18:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've mentioned numerous times on this podcast, you know, we just kind of needed to get rid of the dead wood. um You know, Isaac Hayden's officially left at I feel horrible saying Hayden and Deadwood because he was good for her for so long, but just doesn't fit with her right now.
00:18:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Obviously, we wish him all the best with whoever he signs for. But it's getting the quality in because Ramsdale's definitely improvement on Odysseys, Dubravka, anyone like that.
00:18:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
you know When he was at Arsenal, it was between him and David Raya for the number one, and it looked like Ramsdale was actually going to get the better of him for a period. So if you get that side of Ramsdale, you've genuinely got a decent number one.
00:19:07
Global Sports Podcast Network
He might play like he's got ADHD and can't sort of concentrate on things, but ah that's not not that much of a problem. Every goalkeeper makes mistakes. He's not immune to that. Alanga looks fantastic.
00:19:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
um But yeah, two midfielders. Willick's always injured. Longstaff's gone. it's It's one of those where, well, one big injury in that midfield, and let's say it's a a Bruno, who thankfully has been fit to basically run 38 marathons for us a season.
00:19:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
um Or Tonali, one of those two get injured and we're in serious trouble. What I will say is against Tottenham, I don't know what you thought about Lewis Miley, but I actually thought he had a really good game.
00:19:44
Iain
Yeah.
00:19:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I've been really strict on him in recent, and recent well, over the last season. and And I generally think he's probably cemented that number four spot unless someone, let's say like a Lucas Paqueta,
00:20:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
comes in because he know he's been really good. And I generally think this could be his proper breakthrough season. But I mentioned Lucas Paqueta there. 30 million is apparently going to be worth.
00:20:17
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh but Apparently that's all that's going to take to get him. I imagine after the the most recent ah cold case and stuff has been proven but proven innocent, that'll probably go up to 40. But anything under 50, I think you're probably saying yes to Lucas Paqueta, aren't you?
00:20:35
Iain
think I think Bruno would pay it, wouldn't he? Just to get his best mate in.
00:20:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:20:39
Iain
But yeah, I mean, we were we were in for him when he went to... Did we make a bid for him? don't know if we did. We might have been might not actually have bidded.
00:20:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
I feel like we did.
00:20:49
Iain
I feel like he was um he was definitely touted. I mean, him he's a great player that first year from West Ham.
00:20:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:20:57
Iain
At the end of that, Man City were after him. And then this match-fixing sort of... Klain was made over him and Man City backed off. But, you know, Man City after Tino this season, that gives you an idea of the sort of quality that they can pick out to go early for.
00:21:13
Iain
I would have Paqueta if we get him for 40 mil. I think he's a he's the number 10 we don't have, isn't he?
00:21:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:21:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think um the the name that's been more commonly in the ah in the news recently is that of Coventry midfielder Jack Rodoni, or Rodoni, should I say, um who, for those that don't know, obviously Coventry plays in the championship.
00:21:37
Global Sports Podcast Network
He was one of their best players last season, 13 goals and assists across, not each, obviously, combined over the 40-odd games. um He is apparently the best player.
00:21:50
Global Sports Podcast Network
When you look up at the stats, he's quite creative.
00:21:51
Iain
Thank you.
00:21:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
um he can play all the way down the left, so he could play left, he's played left back before, he's played left wing before, played attacking midfielder and central midfielder, so he is quite versatile in that way, would likely be playing this back up for central midfielder, and then maybe coming off the bench as a more of attacking option as well.
00:22:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
That's looking at 15 million. I will say, the only times I've seen him and actually play is the the semi-finals of the playoffs against Sunderland, where Ultimately, wasn't very good. He did have a tough game. 24 years old, still lot learn.
00:22:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
Would you be open to someone from the championship coming in? A younger sort of player. Obviously, 24 is not that young, but someone a bit more progressive that way and giving them a chance rather than blowing the big bucks.
00:22:44
Iain
certainly, as if we need numbers in, you know, yes. Rodoni, I haven't heard anything about him for for weeks and weeks, but before before the transfer window opened, he was linked with us.
00:22:59
Iain
I don't know if Eddie had said something about him.
00:22:59
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%.
00:23:02
Iain
um If he's 15 million, that that's it's it's it's what you call Sean Longstaff money, isn't it? um
00:23:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah and so
00:23:12
Iain
And at 24, with improvements come in the training methods of Magic Eddie Howe, I would have that chance. Of course, there's always an option when we're getting rid of Ezek to factor someone like Harvey Elliott into that.
00:23:31
Iain
i'll I'll rate him.
00:23:32
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:23:33
Iain
He was the bat was he the man of the championship in England of the 21, winning the Euros.
00:23:39
Iain
He certainly was very good in the the matches that I watched. um I know Liverpool fans say he's only got one foot, but, you know, and
00:23:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, it's very good.
00:23:49
Iain
John Robertson only had one foot and he won two European championships, didn't he? So if it's the good foot it's a good foot, then that'll do.
00:23:54
Global Sports Podcast Network
As long as that one foot's good.
00:23:57
Iain
So we're light in midfield. That's one way where we could we could bring in, I think he would fit really well.
00:24:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:05
Iain
And when you think the clubs that he's been linked to are, I've seen him linked with West Ham and linked with Fulham.
00:24:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. yeah
00:24:13
Iain
Nothing wrong with those teams, but he'd have to move to London. and he Was he with Fulham originally? um
00:24:18
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah. not entirely sure.
00:24:20
Iain
but But they're not got they've not got European football, certainly not Champions League football for them to play in this year. I don't think that would be the worst idea, particularly if Liverpool don't want to find any more cash than the 110 they already talked about.
00:24:33
Iain
I'm sure there could be a deal done to bring Harvey Elliott through, if he's willing, of course. But yeah, so I think not three or four players, Eddie. I think you need five or six players, personally.
00:24:33
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:24:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'd agree, to be honest. I think we're were're really quite thin. And maybe it all hinges on Alexander Azak. And, you know, if we get the money for that, if he goes, clubs are going to know we're cash rich.
00:24:57
Global Sports Podcast Network
You know, we're going to be able to splash the cash wherever. um To be honest, that might actually hurt us selling Azak at this point in the window. Maybe if we spend the money and then get it back at the end,
00:25:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah And, you know, it saves us yeah having that those prices were driven up across the board.
00:25:15
Iain
Thank you.
00:25:16
Global Sports Podcast Network
January, you're always getting inflated prices anyways, so nothing too different there. But, yeah, I think it's one of those where prices are always going to be inflated for Newcastle United, probably even more so when he's at leave. So if we can get those those five or six done as soon as possible, I'm not saying before he's at leaves, but the likes of Jack McDonough, as I mentioned there, would be Harvey Elliott even would be a great signer.
00:25:40
Global Sports Podcast Network
I feel like Harvey Elliott might be used in the Ysak deal potentially as well. um But that's all, you know, the hearsay speculation. ah So we'll move on to the second advert of the day before we go into part three.
00:25:55
Iain
not
00:25:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Okay.
00:25:56
Iain
and Can I just ask, with slightly with tongue-in-cheek, if Liverpool find if if people do sign Isak, do you think Eketike will be available in the January window because he's only started two games and he's sat on the bench and watched the rest?
00:26:00
Global Sports Podcast Network
okay
00:26:13
Global Sports Podcast Network
Generally could be.
00:26:13
Iain
Who knows?
00:26:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
could Generally could be because i don't it's he's definitely not gone there to to play a second fiddle. And ah generally, if Isaac signs, I can't see I could take you staying there for three, four years.
00:26:28
Global Sports Podcast Network
think he'll be gone pretty pretty quickly personally. But yes, Ian, if you could give me the Zencaster advert, that be fantastic.
00:26:33
Iain
ah
00:26:35
Iain
Let's do that.
00:26:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Lovely stuff.
00:26:37
Iain
try Right, I've got the wrong page of the wrong way around. That's why I can't start. Here at the Global Sports Podcast Network, we spent a lot of time selecting our delivery platform.
00:26:49
Iain
Zencaster came out the clear winner. With 4K video recording from your phone and AI editing that automatically removes all those ums and ahs, it's super easy to start a podcast that sounds great and is delivered efficiently.
00:27:02
Iain
If you're are ready to tell your a story, check out the link in the show description to learn more about the lovely Zancaster.
00:27:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Beautiful stuff. Now, part two, I talked about the hypothetical. We're going to continue talking about the hy hypothetical in part three. So let's say the window is shut right now.
00:27:23
Global Sports Podcast Network
It's an absolute nightmare. We need five. We've got none. ah Just this squad. ah But that does mean Alexander Izak has stayed. I guess looking at it that way. um So let's talk about where it would look like at the end of the campaign.
00:27:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Now, obviously hypothetical, you don't know what we could do in January, etc. But Ian, if nothing changed,
Season Goals and Derby Predictions
00:27:46
Iain
but
00:27:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
where do you think Newcastle would be aiming to finish in the Premier League this season?
00:27:52
Global Sports Podcast Network
Is it still aim for the Champions League or is it accept that maybe Everyone else has improved. We haven't really improved that much, so we'll drop down a little.
00:28:05
Iain
Right. I'm assuming a fair crack of the whip with injuries.
00:28:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yes.
00:28:11
Iain
And for example, will it be
00:28:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
everyone Everyone has the same amount of injuries in a blissful, fair world.
00:28:18
Iain
And Joe Willock comes back from his and is back up and going by October, let's say.
00:28:24
Global Sports Podcast Network
Jill Willick's only missing for 15 games instead of the usual 30.
00:28:29
Iain
Fair enough. and Okay. So, Botman boman gives us a decent chunk of his season, like the first season he was here. I think Alex Murphy steps up and becomes at least as useful a member of the squad as Matt Target or Emil Kraft.
00:28:39
Global Sports Podcast Network
Oh. Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
00:28:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
oh
00:28:48
Iain
Because I've been quite impressed with him, even when he's come back as well. I thought the little bits I've seen in pre-season, he looks like he can do a job. Left back, centre-left half.
00:28:58
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:28:59
Iain
Certainly good cover. um Where do I think we'll be aiming? Well, we have strengthened goalkeeping position. We've strengthened the right wing position. and We haven't diminished the attacking position if Izak is still there.
00:29:13
Iain
Asula will get more minutes and surely has got to start. putting all that effort and energy into something more productive than than the the headless chicken running around that we've seen in pre-season.
00:29:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
the ball the back of the
00:29:28
Iain
um But yeah, I think we are aiming to get that fifth place. I think the top four will be way ahead of us.
00:29:34
Global Sports Podcast Network
net.
00:29:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, I'd agree.
00:29:36
Iain
But I don't see the teams in that next raft. I see Tottenham and Man United coming back in to be chasing for it as well, because they have strengthened. But I don't think Brighton have.
00:29:46
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:29:48
Iain
Brentford are certainly nowhere near. Bournemouth have sold they best some of their best players. So I think we would still be and we would still be aiming to finish in the top five to try and qualify for the Champions League.
00:30:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:30:03
Iain
We'd still have another fair crack at cup run because we could put a brilliant first 11 out and beat anybody on that day. um Whether the crack starts showing because of what eight games to play in the Champions League, I'm not sure.
00:30:20
Iain
can imagine we'd get through league and finish probably with the luck of the draw, end up playing Liverpool in the round of 16 or whatever it is and bowing out gracefully there.
00:30:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah.
00:30:34
Iain
But i think I don't think we have to lower our sights as to what we want to achieve. I think we've got, we've we've raised the bar if we want to improve, we want to have this constant improvement.
00:30:46
Iain
um But, you know, if we can get beyond the group stage in the Champions League, that is a step forward. So why not? i But I mean, it'll be so much easier with three or four more um first team squad players in there.
00:31:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, 100%. I think we definitely need to strengthen to to meet our ambitions. um I'd say with the Champions League, you know, 24th, which is in the league phase, just enough to get yourself through.
00:31:20
Global Sports Podcast Network
realistically, you need 11 points from eight games to get that. I think even with the current squad, we're probably capable of doing that. If Izak goes and then you're sitting with Ursula as the striker, I don't think that would happen. It'd probably be Gordon, let's be honest.
00:31:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
um And then Ursula coming off the bench.
00:31:37
Iain
Who looked at... Gordon looked like he could do a proper Premier League job in that match against Tottenham, by the way. I thought he looked really sharp.
00:31:45
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, he was very good.
00:31:47
Iain
um
00:31:47
Global Sports Podcast Network
Probably the sharpest we've seen him in six months.
00:31:48
Iain
But... So, yeah, he could play centre-forward and Barnes coming in down to the left-hand side. That worked really well. That's the first time I've seen them play that system where they both looked effective.
00:32:01
Iain
that They all seemed to be falling over each other when they did it in the league last year.
00:32:01
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:32:05
Iain
um So, yeah, I think i think we should we should be able to get 11 points, shouldn't we? that's We've got four games at St James' Park, certainly against the team in our pot and the team in pot three.
00:32:11
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:32:19
Iain
If we get them at home, we will get them at home.
00:32:21
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah
00:32:23
Iain
we should be We should be winning those. And then we've got another team in pot four away from home. We just need to pick up a couple of draws. And, you know, as long as we get Paris Saint-Germain at home, we'll be laughing.
00:32:31
Global Sports Podcast Network
yeah Yeah. I was a...
00:32:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
someone will be laughing i might be crying um but yeah i think it's it's sort of uh the teams that got three wins and the champions league last season in the group stage only two of them didn't qualify that was zagreb and stuttgart who again stuttgart lost four and zagreb only lost out on goal difference so as long as you're not getting battered like zagreb did they probably lost or 7-1 to someone i can't remember the fixtures but it's you know they play a bye in Munich and that kind of thing happens that's not real that's realistically not going to happen to Newcastle who might get beat three four nil maybe off some teams if we come up against a in-form Real Madrid at the Bernabeu you know it probably will be curtains you know there's there's levels unfortunately but yeah I do agree ah think the top four in the Premier League
00:33:27
Iain
Thank you.
00:33:29
Global Sports Podcast Network
that's pretty much set for the next two seasons, I think. um You know, you're Liverpool, Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea. um But then the rest, it is possible to be the best of the rest.
00:33:44
Global Sports Podcast Network
I think Aston Villa have, they've had the same problem we have. They can't really strengthen. They seem to just have their players leave at the minute, which isn't great. I think they're weaker than what they were last year.
00:33:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Man United and Tottenham are going be better. But, realistically, there couldn't be much worse.
00:34:01
Iain
United haven't strengthened anywhere in defence or midfield. i don't I don't see them. ah dont think they'll finish 15th. But I don't think they'll... Maybe they'll be aiming at top half. It'll be success for them.
00:34:13
Iain
Forrest. Forrest are strong.
00:34:15
Global Sports Podcast Network
don't think Forrest will be anywhere near, personally.
00:34:18
Iain
Do you not?
00:34:19
Global Sports Podcast Network
No, I think it's Europe first season.
00:34:19
Iain
I think they've replaced Elanga.
00:34:22
Global Sports Podcast Network
and
00:34:23
Iain
Yeah. Yeah, true. and I was just thinking of fair of somebody else there. Yeah, palace ah if Palace lose Eze and gait Gehi as well, they're going to be much weakened, aren't they?
00:34:38
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah.
00:34:38
Iain
It's all shaping up for Sunderland to finish in the top ten
00:34:43
Global Sports Podcast Network
Granite Shaka masterclass after he gets two-footed by Joel Linton in the first derby and gets injured for the rest of the season.
00:34:50
Iain
they Joey wouldn't do that. He's more likely to knock his nose off.
00:34:55
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, true. He does need to stop that, by the way, because it was the Arsenal game against the young Max Dowman and then against Archie Gray.
00:34:57
Iain
it Thank you.
00:35:04
Global Sports Podcast Network
I've got a feeling and he just hates you young players. ah And Sunderland have a lot of young players. So when it comes to Derby Day, elbows are just going to be flying around the gaff like he's doing a little dance.
00:35:14
Global Sports Podcast Network
um It's going be quite a bad one, but we already know that it's Derby Day. We've got Bruno, we've got Joe Linton. We've got some very passionate players. There's going to be yellow and reds flying around.
00:35:26
Global Sports Podcast Network
Granite Jack is only just going to make it more of a bloodbath. It just means they might give something back. They're not going to score, but the ma they might get a a good tackle in there and they can celebrate that.
00:35:36
Iain
Well, a bike if Isaac leaves, who's going to put the ball in the Muckham's net?
00:35:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
We've got 10 other players that can do it. True.
00:35:45
Iain
but We're going to have to be we're goingnna have to find a new song.
00:35:48
Global Sports Podcast Network
true
00:35:48
Iain
Bring back Shola.
00:35:51
Global Sports Podcast Network
John Ruddy can do it. It's fine. It's only Sunderland. We'll put him up front for the one game of the season. Ruddy put four in the Backhams net. Backhams? Ruddy put four in the Mackhams net. Should I say? that sounds ah That sounds quite good to me.
00:36:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah But, yes.
00:36:06
Iain
We're definitely getting in the realms of fantasy football here, Michael.
00:36:10
Iain
You're a massive Ruddy fan, aren't you?
00:36:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, well.
00:36:12
Global Sports Podcast Network
i just I just find him funny. I think it's it's funny having a... A player that's realistically just there for the pictures and there for a bit of crack. And probably is a great behind-the-scenes man.
00:36:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
I imagine being a bit like a Ben Foster was, where i just a really big personality helps the team out. And I love that kind of player, as long as it's not Jordan Henderson. So, yeah, that that works perfectly for me.
00:36:37
Iain
you wear did you Did you see Gillespie play as well? Gillespie came
Goalkeeper Discussion and Podcast Wrap-up
00:36:42
Iain
on against Tottenham.
00:36:42
Global Sports Podcast Network
Yeah, last 13 minutes or something. It was weird because the only goalkeeper that hasn't really had any minutes, obviously Dubrovka hasn't, but he's leaving, which probably should have mentioned on this episode, actually.
00:36:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah That's my bad. He's off to Burnley, apparently. But obviously the only other one that didn't play was Odysseus, and he's the most expensive goalkeeper in our history. so
00:37:02
Iain
Yeah.
00:37:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah that's tragic.
00:37:05
Iain
Was it, ah there was a Spanish team interested in him, but that's going to be, I don't know, that's going to be a loan where we're still paying all of his wages, isn't it?
00:37:10
Global Sports Podcast Network
Sevilla or is it Villarreal? One of the two. Yeah, 100%. We've got to pay them 5 million to take them off our hands.
00:37:23
Iain
I wouldn't be surprised.
00:37:25
Global Sports Podcast Network
ah Yeah, but there you have it. That's a wrap for this episode of the Daily Newcastle Podcast. Big thanks to Ian for joining me and to all of you for listening in.
00:37:36
Global Sports Podcast Network
If you're on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or something, hit follow, leave us a review. If you're watching on YouTube, just make sure to subscribe so you never miss an update. and We do have another a new social media man, so it will be a lot better quality than what it's been recently on YouTube, where it's just been myself.
00:37:52
Iain
you
00:37:53
Global Sports Podcast Network
And I'm useless. um So, yeah, big up to to James, who's joined us. um Keep an eye out because we might just be popping up on some new platforms as well very soon.
00:38:05
Global Sports Podcast Network
But I can't say any more about that for now. But just watch this space. And, well, we'll see you next time.