Liverpool beaten but Arsenal transfer threat remains as Newcastle United know Alexander Isak truth

“It cuts out a lot of needless noise around his future. I think now that he can really focus on this season and performing at his very best level."

That was Eddie Howe's honest assessment of Anthony Gordon committing his future to Newcastle United this week as the head coach spoke to reporters during Friday morning's media briefing at the club's Benton HQ.

After a summer of speculation over a big-money Liverpool switch and potential unhappiness on the back of said transfer saga, Newcastle moved swiftly to ensure their main man out wide was tied down and made to feel wanted after a testing period on Tyneside.

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There has been long-held hope, certainly from the outside, that Newcastle could do the same with Alexander Isak, despite the Swede's Newcastle contract running until 2028 at present. However, it looks as though there will be no imminent extension for the Magpies' No 14, according to Howe.

"Alex has a long-term contract with us, and we must exercise caution around our financial commitments due to Financial Fair Play," Howe said of Isak on Friday, before adding: "I don’t perceive an imminent issue regarding his contract."

Howe is right. There is no imminent or pressing need to extend the contract of a player who has four years of his deal left to run. The head coach is also correct when he says Newcastle must watch their coffers after a recent scare with Premier League spending rules.

However, the truth of the matter is if Newcastle do not ensure their return to European football this season, it is not just keeping hold of Isak they need to worry about heading into next summer's window.

Bruno Guimaraes has repeatedly spoken of his love for the Champions League and will not be short of offers from the Premier League or the continent if Newcastle make it back-to-back campaigns with achieving a place among Europe's best. Can Newcastle also keep the likes of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman happy without continental football?

Then there is Isak, who has long been courted by Arsenal, with Mikel Arteta making no secret of his desire to sign an elite-level striker to bolster his side's chances of winning the Premier League. The Gunners have previously tested the waters for Newcastle's main man and will all but certainly be able to offer European football next term should Isak's current club fail to secure their own qualification.

The Magpies know this - and they know failure to earn at least Europa Conference League football next term may not be enough to keep their best and brightest talent.

That is another reason why keeping Gordon is such a strong signal of intent. After a torrid summer in the transfer market, on the back of an injury-hit and disappointing season, tying down such a crucial member of Howe's side can offer a timely boost ahead of a big run-in towards the festive period.

However, further down the line pressure will no doubt build once again if Newcastle can't offer Gordon, and his other high-earning, ambitious co-stars, what they crave more than anything: Trophies and a crack on the biggest stage of all against Europe's best.

Newcastle certainly have advantages when it comes to beating their top flight rivals to a top six finish this term, namely their lack of tiring trips to the continent while other Premier League clubs play three times in a week. And Howe and his staff will be fully aware that keeping Isak and his team-mates for the long-term will depend not on PSR - but on becoming European regulars in the coming years.