On 26 August 2022, Alexander Isak completed a club-record move to Newcastle United, joining for £63million.
It was a monumental day for the fans, who had been waiting a long time to see players move to Tyneside for high transfer fees.
Newcastle United made several signings during the 2022 summer transfer window, with the likes of Nick Pope and Sven Botman joining on long-term deals, but Alexander Isak’s move surpassed them all.
While Callum Wilson was at the peak of his playing career, it was evident that a talented young striker needed to be signed for their future. PIF were willing to spend well for Eddie Howe at Newcastle, which sparked the move for Isak.
Nobody knew what Isak would go on to achieve at Newcastle: 54 goals in 86 Premier League appearances, and a goal in the Carabao Cup final to help win the Magpies’ first trophy since 1969.
It is three years since Isak joined Newcastle, so we have looked back at what the Sweden international’s first words after signing were.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak’s ode to Newcastle United fans after signing in 2022
As successful as he has been, Isak has tarnished his reputation at Newcastle after making it clear to Howe and PIF that he wants to leave this summer.
His transfer saga has been the story of the summer, with Liverpool hoping to capitalise on Isak’s unhappiness. The way Isak has conducted himself in the last month has been baffling; even Newcastle legend Alan Shearer did not think Isak had it in him to be so willing to ruin his reputation at the club that made him.
Upon signing in 2022, Isak spoke to newcastleunited.com about why the move was so appealing.
“I’m delighted to have it done. It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with.
“It is a great, historical club that I think anyone would like to play for, with amazing fans. They were a big part of why I came here – and also the club’s project, which is one that I really believe in.
“You always want to go into a team and know how they play. I think Newcastle play very attractive football and I want to be a part of that.”
Newcastle United will live to regret another 2022 transfer decision
That summer window handed Newcastle four quality players, with Botman and Pope becoming first-team regulars since then. As it stands, Isak has not trained with Newcastle’s first team squad for a month, and there is no sign of his return coming any time soon.
Newcastle’s summer transfer window in 2025 has also seen them make four signings, but there is hope that at least one more player can join before the window closes.
One player on Newcastle’s agenda was Joao Pedro. The Brazilian attacker held talks with Newcastle, but ultimately opted to join Chelsea instead.
However, the 23-year-old could have become a Newcastle player in 2022 had it not been for Isak. It was reported that Newcastle agreed a £35m deal with Watford for Pedro, but backed out when they learned that Isak was available.
Of course, nobody could have predicted how good Pedro would become, but many Newcastle fans will be left wondering if he would have had the same fortune if he had moved to Tyneside.
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