The Sweden international’s £125 million move to Liverpool last summer marked a turning point for the club, and the numbers since only underline the scale of the loss.
Isak struck 27 goals in his final season on Tyneside but his replacements have struggled to come close.
Newcastle responded by investing £69 million in Nick Woltemade and £55 million in Yoane Wissa, but returns have been underwhelming.
Woltemade has scored 10 times this season, while Wissa has managed just three, prompting fresh internal considerations about the club’s attacking direction.
Sources indicate at least one of the two forwards could be sold this summer, with recruitment teams already working to identify a more reliable focal point in attack. As it stands, William Osula is the only forward of the three that looks guaranteed to stay.
The message from within is clear in that Newcastle need a proven goalscorer if they are to compete at the level they expect.
That planning is taking place alongside broader considerations at the club.
While Eddie Howe is expected to remain in charge, alternative options such as Roberto Mancini and Jose Mourinho have been considered in recent weeks.
There are also question marks over key players including Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon, with decisions on their futures still to come as part of what is shaping up to be a significant summer overhaul.
Replacing Isak was always going to be difficult, but on the back of this season it is looking very likely the club make renewed attempts to find a striker capable of delivering the goals they need.
