Newcastle United will hope that former Magpie Mikel Merino can help convince Alexander Isak to join the club.
The 22-year-old striker is being heavily linked with a move to St James’ Park at the moment. The Telegraph have reported that Newcastle are considering a club record move for the Sweden international.
He would be a huge signing for the Magpies, who are currently on the lookout for a new centre forward to compete with Callum Wilson. Isak would certainly do that, and the fact he can also play out wide makes him even more desirable.
The Sociedad star is one of multiple big names Newcastle are chasing. Moussa Diaby is another target, and the Toon hierarchy would reportedly prefer to sign him.
However, a move for Isak could happen if Diaby is unattainable, and Newcastle might have an ace up their sleeve.
Isak’s teammate Merino loved his time at Newcastle
Isak currently plays for Sociedad and Spain, and one of his teammates is former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino.
The 26-year-old spent just one season at St James’ Park, but the North East made a real impression on Merino. He spoke to the Chronicle earlier this year and expressed his love for the region.
“I felt at home there and I’m not lying when I say that,” he said.
“I felt so welcome by the fans, by my teammates, by the atmosphere. The city was amazing. I was enjoying just going to the city centre and having a pint or going for a walk and enjoying the people speaking nicely to you. I was feeling great.
“I look back on those times and it was a shame I could not play more games and enjoy the fans and the league a little bit more, but my mindset right now is it was a huge year for me. I learned a lot.
“I’m really sure I’m the player that I am now because of Newcastle and all the experiences that I lived there.”
Agent Merino could convince Isak to make the same move
While Merino will likely want Isak to stay with him at Sociedad, the Spain international’s kind words about Newcastle could inspire him to make the move.
Merino is incredibly complimentary towards the area, and it’s a real shame he still isn’t a Magpie. He was impressive in his short time in black and white, and would have done even better had it not been for a back injury.
He left in 2018, but could possibly inspire another player to join Newcastle four years later. The region is very much the same, but the club is very different. However, it is for the better.
Newcastle United are heading in the right direction, which is why they are targeting players like Isak.
If he’s unsure about joining Eddie Howe’s side, he should speak to Merino and he can tell him exactly why Newcastle is the place for him.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
