When Alexander Isak officially joined Newcastle United on August 26th 2022, he became the club’s new record signing.
The Sweden international arrived from Real Sociedad, costing £63million and signing a six-year deal at St James’ Park.
It was a blockbuster deal, and one that really turned heads. It came completely out of nowhere. One minute the Magpies were preparing to play Tranmere, the next a rumour was circulating in Spain that Newcastle had agreed a club record transfer with Real Sociedad.
Fast forward to December, and Isak has not had a great start to life at St James’ Park. But that isn’t his fault.
He has been limited to three appearances due to injury, scoring two goals. His first was exceptional – a wonderful finish against Liverpool that sent Toon fans wild.
We will see more of that in the coming years, and the Athletic have now provided information on how Newcastle eventually decided to sign the 23-year-old.
Why Howe initially opted against signing Isak
When Isak joined Newcastle, Callum Wilson was suffering from injury. He picked up a muscle problem against Manchester City, in front of the chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
It convinced the PIF chief to do something big in the transfer market, with Newcastle turning to Isak. He had been linked with the Magpies earlier in the window, but Sociedad’s asking price and Isak’s wage demands appeared to end speculation over a move to Tyneside.
Then out of nowhere the deal was on.
But, according to the Athletic, Howe actually opted against signing Isak earlier in the window. They state that the Swede featured ‘prominently’ on the club’s list of attacking targets, with the Magpies keen to sign a wide forward.
However, the Athletic state that Howe considered Isak’s primary position to be a striker, and thus looked elsewhere for new recruits.
Of course, the club then changed their stance towards the end of the window. They decided to move for the versatile forward, bringing in Isak as someone who can play through the middle or out wide.
In his three appearances so far, Isak has played as a central striker. But that was when Wilson was injured.
They should both be fit to play later this month when Newcastle return to action, meaning Howe has a decision to make.
Does he play Isak through the middle? Or should he see what he is like out wide, which is the position he was initially targeted for?
Only time will tell, but it’s a nice headache for Howe to have.
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