It’s all systems go at Newcastle United as the transfer window draws to a close. Given their newfound wealth there was always the chance of some surprises in the final week of the window. According to reports, the Magpies are about to sign Real Sociedad attacker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for a club-record £60 million.
Manager Eddie Howe has brought in six players so far this summer, with three of them being first team arrivals: Matt Targett, Sven Botman and Nick Pope. It has been said countless times already that they have been smart with their recruitment and not immediately dived in for the Kylian Mbappes of the world just because they can.
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But even during their calculated first transfer window under the new ownership, the club shelled out £40 million on midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. And the supporters have been patiently waiting for a similar level signing this time around and it seems to have paid off.
Newcastle have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Premier League season after three matches, and after a strong performance against reigning champions Manchester City many are starting to wonder just how far the Magpies can go this year.
The latest update surrounding Isak’s imminent move to St James’ Park follows the news of Newcastle’s main striker Callum Wilson potentially facing a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, the latest setback in a career blighted by physical problems. A lengthy absence for Wilson would leave his side short in attacking options, with Chris Wood the only other senior striker in the squad. It was reported that the club would go into the market only if they had to.
From this latest development, it doesn’t seem to be good news for Wilson. Newcastle are believed to be at an advanced stage of the deal for Sweden’s Isak, with sporting director Dan Ashworth and head of recruitment Steve Nickson currently in Spain to get it over the line.
For those who might be unaware of Isak’s career to date, he started his pro stint with AIK in his homeland before joining Borussia Dortmund in 2017. He spent time on loan with Eredivisie club Willem II, where he scored 13 goals in 16 appearances, which earned him a move to Real Sociedad in 2019.
During his three years with the Spanish club, the 22-year-old striker has scored 44 goals in 132 matches and has constantly been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe. He has also been capped 37 times by Sweden.
A signing of this magnitude is a huge coup for Newcastle and another step towards their long-term ambitions. Isak is 6’4”, but he is not shy of pace which makes his style of play so unique and devastating. With plenty of years ahead of him he still has a great deal to learn and working under Howe might help him reach that next level.
Isak is believed to have been the Magpies' number one target for strengthening their attack, but they have also been in deep talks with Watford regarding Brazilian attacker Joao Pedro. It remains to be seen if that deal would still be pursued with the expected acquisition of Isak, but it once again highlights the ambitions that the club have and that they are not messing about when it comes to making a charge for a top-six spot in the Premier League sooner rather than later.
