He nearly became Newcastle United’s most expensive signing ever, now he’s moved to Slovenia’s second tier

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Alexander Isak is the most expensive signing in Newcastle United’s history.

The 25-year-old joined Newcastle United in August 2022, costing £63million from Real Sociedad. He remains Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, ahead of deals for Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.

When Isak arrived, he took the record off of Joelinton, who had taken the record off of Miguel Almiron.

Joelinton and Almiron were the only two players to break Newcastle’s transfer record during Mike Ashley’s ownership.

However, that honour almost went to Saido Berahino.

Newcastle United’s failed bid for Saido Berahino

During the January transfer window of 2016, Steve McClaren was given funds to sign some new players and try keep Newcastle United in the Premier League.

Jonjo Shelvey, Andros Townsend and Henri Saivet arrived at St James’ Park, while there was almost a club record deal too.

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle bid £21million to sign Saido Berahino from West Brom.

At the time, that would have made Berahino the most expensive Newcastle signing ever, eclipsing the £16.8million deal that brought Michael Owen to St James’ Park.

But Newcastle’s Berahino bid was rejected, as he remained at the Hawthorns. As for Newcastle, that season ended in relegation to the Championship.

Where Saido Berahino is now

Would Newcastle have avoided relegation had they signed Berahino? Who knows.

But the striker has had a very strange career ever since the Magpies tried to bring him to Tyneside.

The 31-year-old has just joined the seventh permanent club of his career, signing for Tabor Sezana. They play in the second tier of Slovenian football.

Before this move, Berahino had joined Indian club Rajasthan United in August 2024. However, his contract was mutually terminated in November 2024 due to injury.

When Newcastle tried to sign Berahino for £21million in 2016, he was a young striker with a lot of potential. Unfortunately, he has not gone on to achieve that potential.

He should be in his prime right now, but is instead preparing to play in the second tier of Slovenian football.