Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak may cost Newcastle United more than they have ever paid for a player. So if Newcastle United intends to set a new transfer record this summer, they must decide whether they wish to spend a lot of money on a striker or a right-winger.
Newcastle has had a long-standing interest in Alexander Isak, but Real Sociedad wants more than the £40 million the Magpies spent for Joelinton three years ago. The signing will make Newcastle popular like what we have in the college football point spreads.
In January, there was much speculation about the 22-year-old player joining Arsenal, and the Magpies’ board reportedly believes he would be the ideal addition to Eddie Howe’s assault.
The same applies to Moussa Diaby. The Magpies have not lost upon him despite Bayer Leverkusen’s £55m to £60m asking price.
Search for a Striker
Hugo Ekitike was recruited by Newcastle from Stade de Reims last month, but the striker’s agency desired to leave his options open, so Howe has been pursuing other options.
Manager Eddie Howe, on the other hand, desires to acquire at least two offensive players before the summer transfer window ends. They maintain tight relationships with a lot of athletes. Newcastle still has the funds to get another star player this summer, and Howe has available loan slots to acquire another attacker immediately.
Eddie Howe’s objective at the beginning of the transfer window was to get more offensive talent. Callum Wilson was the club’s leading scorer despite missing many months due to injuries last year.
Newcastle attempted to obtain Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard on loan in January when Howe initially spoke with Ekitike about doing so.
The Telegraph reports that Sociedad has already begun contract negotiations with Isak. Isak scored 17 goals in 34 LaLiga games for Sociedad in his breakout season in 2017-18. As he scored 17 goals in 34 appearances for Sociedad, he may be the answer to Newcastle’s scoring drought.
Arsenal may attempt to smash their club record once more. During the January transfer window, he was heavily linked to Arsenal. He is tall and possesses unique skills, making him an intriguing candidate.
Nicolas Pépé’s £72 million transfer from Lille to the Premier League has not exactly lit the league on fire. However, Isak can also play anywhere across Howe’s preferred front three. This provides the former Bournemouth boss more choices, particularly after the January high-priced acquisition of Chris Wood from Burnley failed to pan out.
Since joining the Spanish club from Borussia Dortmund, the 22-year-old has scored 43 goals in 130 games and contributed to their 2019-20 Copa del Rey triumph.
Now that Arsenal needs a new striker more than ever, the £75 million release clause for Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak appears more attractive.
Newcastle is still interested in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby, but they have not yet made an offer because the German club is seeking more than £55 million for his services. Isak and Diaby are vastly different players, but Newcastle is now seeking this type of player: young, speedy, technically proficient internationals with high ceilings who can develop with the club.
Will the Signing Go Through?
With a 50/50 share, this may cost £50 million or more, but the Magpies would only need to find £30 million at the moment, a far more manageable sum.
If a deal is made for Isak, Newcastle will likely not make any further transfers this summer unless they can raise funds by selling some of their current players.
The LaLiga is aware of the interest, and there have been discussions, but no agreement has been reached yet. Newcastle has acquired goalkeeper Nick Pope and defenders Sven Botman and Matt Targett this summer. However, they will need to be creative to acquire an additional striker and right winger before the market closes.
According to the newspaper, the Magpies will attempt to negotiate a “buy now, pay later” agreement, with a small down payment this summer and a larger payment a year later.
Isak was one of the greatest young players at Euro 2020, and Sociedad desires “big money” for their star striker. Newcastle may need to concede goals to acquire Isak.
For the Magpies to continue spending in the future, the club’s owners want to grow each year steadily while still abiding by the Premier League’s requirements for making money and staying in business.
