While Newcastle United’s deal to sign Alexander Isak has came out of the blue, he certainly isn’t a new target.
His name was first mentioned in the press back in March, while there was even talk of a club record move in July.
With frustrations over Moussa Diaby emerging, the Magpies prepared to push the boat out to sign the Real Sociedad striker. However, he proved to be expensive and Eddie Howe looked elsewhere.
But it appears that all roads lead back to Isak, as he is on Tyneside to complete a club record move to Newcastle. The Toon owners are set to pay an initial £59million for the 22-year-old, eclipsing the £40million spent on Joelinton by the previous regime.
Howe is finally set to add a new attacker to his squad, which he will be delighted about. And he’ll be even more delighted to secure his number one target.
Newcastle were unanimous on Isak back in spring
According to the Telegraph, the Newcastle decision makers agreed that Isak was their first choice striker target during a recruitment meeting back in late spring. They report that he was the unanimous choice, with Howe and Steve Nickson believing he was and still is ideal for the Magpies.
A lot of time has passed since then, and Newcastle have gone in search of players much lower down on their list. But with no deals forthcoming and a fresh injury to Callum Wilson, the Toon owners are pushing the boat out to sign Isak.
It’s another landmark deal for Newcastle, who have also signed Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman this year. Isak will join them on the list of statement signings who will shape the club’s future. And Howe and Nickson have high hopes for the Sweden international.
The Telegraph add that the duo think that Isak is one of the best young players in Europe. That is incredibly high praise, and makes it all the more shocking that he is about to become a Newcastle player.
Even more exciting is the fact Howe and Nickson reportedly believe he can get better with the right coaching and playing environment. You can guarantee he’ll get that in the North East. So many players have improved since Howe became manager, while Newcastle is one of the best places to play football right now.
Everything is in place for Isak to be a hit in black and white.