Alexander Isak is bracing himself for another big season in a Newcastle United shirt.
The 24-year-old was one of Newcastle United‘s best players last season, netting 25 goals in all competitions. It was the best year of Alexander Isak‘s career, and there is still more to come from the super Swede.
Dan Burn described Isak as ‘world class’, and there is no doubt that he is an elite forward. Other than Erling Haaland, there is no one better in the Premier League at scoring goals than Isak.
But Isak cannot do it all by himself, try as he might.
Alexander Isak is on fire in pre-season
That is what he is doing in pre-season, with the former Real Sociedad forward boasting three goals in three games.
His latest strike came on Wednesday, as he opened the scoring in the second minute of Newcastle’s 4-1 win over Urawa Red Diamonds.
It was an incredible finish from Isak, and it should serve as the latest reminder to Toon officials that they must provide him with the cover he requires.
Newcastle need a proper understudy for Alexander Isak
So far, Isak has started all three of Newcastle’s pre-season friendlies. And when he came off on Wednesday, he was replaced by 19-year-old Ben Parkinson.
Going into the new season, Newcastle cannot rely on a teenager with one Premier League appearance to his name to be Isak’s backup.
In a perfect world, that role would belong to Callum Wilson, but the 32-year-old is currently out of action with a back injury.
The Newcastle striker has a fresh injury problem, casting further doubt over his future at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe needs a forward he can rely on to stay fit, and that sadly is not Callum Wilson. As impressive as he is in front of goal, you cannot score goals if you are out injured.
With Wilson remaining unreliable, there is so much pressure on Isak to stay fit and score the goals that Newcastle need. It was pressure he cracked under at times last season, with Isak playing through his own injury problems. Had he been able to have a bit more of a rest, he might even have been able to score more than 25 goals.
And as Newcastle become more reliant on their record signing, the need for depth increases.
Paul Mitchell is in charge of recruitment, and it is vital that he brings in a new striker before the summer transfer window closes. He needs to give Isak the support he deserves, as he prepares for what will hopefully be another 20+ goal season.
Newcastle make their move for Isak cover
On the back of Isak scoring his third pre-season goal of the summer, Newcastle are making their move.
It has been reported that Newcastle are in talks to sign Will Osula, who is a 20-year-old striker from Sheffield United.
A deal worth an initial £10million is being discussed, with the Magpies in advanced discussions to bring in a young striker who will add the depth that is missing from Newcastle’s forward line.
If Mitchell can complete a deal for the youngster then Howe’s attack will be much healthier. He will suddenly have three players who can play through the middle, while there will be less panic if Wilson is unable to rotate with Isak.
The club have been desperate for a young forward who can grow and develop whilst providing additional cover, and it looks like Osula could be just that.
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