Transfer window shopping: why Alexander Isak is the dream – and will likely remain just that Premium

Newcastle's Alexander Isak emerges as a top target for European giants after transforming into a sought-after player.

In the summer of 2022, Newcastle forward Callum Wilson injured his hamstring, setting in motion a sequence of events that has culminated in Alexander Isak transforming into one of the most sought-after players in world football.

Newcastle’s controversial Saudi Arabia-led takeover in 2021, with the Public Investment Fund buying the club in a deal worth just over £300 million, meant it could target players it hadn’t previously.  When a football team is bankrolled by the world’s richest ownership, there is — as then Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth said — “no ceiling” on its potential.

But the club was reportedly unsure about recruiting Isak. Although the Swedish striker looked to have all the physical attributes elite centre-forwards typically possess — speed, power, ball-striking — his numbers in the Spanish top flight weren’t off the charts. Given his return of just six goals in 32 games for Real Sociedad in 2021-22, there was a feeling that he was not ready for a top-level move, especially at the £60 million price-tag the LaLiga club was quoting. 

But Wilson’s injury changed Newcastle’s thinking and seemingly forced its hand — the club shattered its transfer record in August 2022. The rest is history. Isak has developed over the last three years into Tyneside’s crown jewel: a stunningly complete No. 9 with a love for big games, capable of terrorising defences and deciding matches with moments of individual brilliance.

The 6’3” sharpshooter recently helped Newcastle win its first major domestic trophy in 70 years, scoring what turned out to be the match-winner in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley. His superb drilled first-time finish ensured that a club that had endured five relegations to the second tier since its last trophy finally had a moment to celebrate.

Indeed, Isak’s exploits have even led to suggestions that Newcastle is a one-man team. When this view was put to Magpies manager Eddie Howe, he didn’t agree. But he did talk up his star attacker’s value to the side. “We recognise Alex’s strengths and his abilities,” said Howe. “I don’t think we are a one-man team, I will never classify us in that bracket, but Alex brings unique qualities in that centre-forward role, in that pivotal middle role that we need.”

The numbers certainly highlight Isak’s importance to Newcastle. Of the top 10 goal scorers in Europe’s top five leagues this season, no player has a higher share of his team’s goals. Both Mohamed Salah and Isak account for 38% of their side’s goals. Both their contributions have been influential. Salah is having a historic season, powering Liverpool’s title charge, while Isak has Newcastle in the reckoning for a spot in next season’s Champions League.