Former Super Eagles’ striker, Shola Ameobi has downplayed the effects that might have occurred at his boyhood club, Newcastle United of England, following the exit of their top scorer, Alexander Isak, Sports247 reports.
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Although The Magpies are seemingly struggling for form this season, following Isak’s move to Liverpool in a British record fee of £125m last summer, Ameobi insists the Swedish star’s departure is not affecting the team.
With Isak firing on all cylinders last season, Newcastle finished fifth in the English Premier League and ended their 70-year wait for a trophy after defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup, but this term has been poor for the six-time FA Cup winners.
Newcastle have also dropped a league-high 25 points from winning positions, their second-worst record in a single season after 2004/05, while managing to only just three points from losing positions, which is the EPL’s joint-lowest.
They have now lost their last five matches, leaving them just eight points above the relegation zone, amidst growing frustration among their fans at St James’ Park, but Ameobi, who spent 14 years at the club, downplayed effects of Isak’s absence.
Many analysts have pointed to Isak’s summer move to Liverpool on a six-year deal as a key reason behind The Magpies’ struggles, as the Sweden international scored 27 goals in all competitions during the 2024/25 season.
Ameobi disagrees and declared that the squad still has many reliable lads that can be relied on, adding: “No, I think ultimately, players come and go. Teams are going to always want good players. It’s going to be the same this summer.
“We’ve got some good players that other teams will want. You have to deal with that if you want to be a top team. Ultimately, you have to continue to work, find new players who can help you develop and get where you want to get to.”
