Newcastle United have done some excellent transfer business since 2021.
Eddie Howe’s side are sat sixth in the Premier League table and are eyeing a return to European football after narrowly missing out last season.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 6 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 22 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 38 | 26 | 12 | 38 |
One of Newcastle’s best signings was undoubtedly Alexander Isak who has come back into top form for Newcastle after enduring a slow start to the campaign. The Swede went on a fantastic goalscoring run unlike any Newcastle fan had ever seen before.
He broke the club record for consecutive Premier League goals, firmly etching himself in Newcastle’s history. His goals have been a huge part of why the Magpies have performed so well in the Premier League this season.
Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 for a club-record fee of around £63m. His performances since signing have proven that he has been worth every penny so far.
The 25-year-old has scored 51 goals in his 91 Newcastle appearances and has already overtaken Callum Wilson’s tally despite being at the club for two fewer years.
His form his season has garnered praise from many pundits in recent weeks. Ally McCoist said Isak was “the best centre-forward in the Premier League.” despite the likes of Erling Haaland scoring more goals than him.
Newcastle signing Isak was a sign that the club were well and truly in a new era following Mike Ashley’s departure in 2021. But it was a deal that surprised many, even Toon boss Eddie Howe.
Eddie Howe didn’t think Newcastle could sign Isak
Newcastle were busy in the 2022 summer transfer window. The club made five signings including Isak – the likes of Sven Botman and Nick Pope were welcomed to the club around the same time.
However, it was Isak’s signing that really took Howe by surprise. The Newcastle manager believed the club was in a position with PSR that meant they were not able to make further additions.
It was revealed on the TalkSPORT Transfer Notebook by Alex Crook when he was asked what big transfer took him by surprise.
“I’ve got an example of just how quickly things can change in a transfer window,” he said.
“This was a summer deal a few years ago. We were being told that because of PSR rules (Newcastle) didn’t have any money to spend on new signings.
“All of a sudden, I got the tipoff that Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad was on his way to St James’ Park in a deal worth £65m.
“This even took Eddie Howe by surprise because he was under the impression that he didn’t have funds to spend but it was almost like a gift from the Saudi owners to the manager.
“And what a gift it has turned out to be. We’re sat here now with Newcastle going great guns in the Premier League. They’ve got one foot in a Wembley final and £65m was a big deal back then, you could double that at least now.”
In his first season at the club, Isak scored 10 goals in the Premier League. He would score more than double that the season after.
READ MORE: Who is Alexander Isak? Age, Height, Family, Nationality, Roots
Isak could leave Newcastle in the summer
While Newcastle fans are enjoying the fantastic form Isak is in at the moment, he may not be around for much longer.
Arsenal have concrete interest in Isak as Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is a keen admirer of the striker. Newcastle are not willing to let him go easily, however. Howe and Paul Mitchell have slapped a £150m price tag on the Swede, a clear sign that they want him to stay at the club for many years.
Although a move for him will most likely not happen in January, Arsenal could land Isak in the summer where they should have a bigger transfer kitty to spend.
Arsenal are struggling with attacking options at the moment, they are without Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka who suffered long-term injuries which required surgery.
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