Newcastle United look ready to make a statement late in the summer transfer window, with the signing of highly-rated Swedish striker Alexander Isak.
What position does Isak play?
Isak plays as a centre-forward, either in a two or operating as a lone striker.
The Magpies have a strong tradition of signing tall, physically strong number nines to lead the line at St James’ Park, and with Callum Wilson’s fitness always a cause for concern, Isak may be the man to fill the void.
What teams has Isak played for?
Isak came through the youth academy of Swedish club AIK, joining from the age of six. Aged just 16 he broke through into the first team scoring 10 goals in 24 games in the Allsvenskan.
German giants Borussia Dortmund paid an Allsvenskan-record fee for Isak believed to be around €9m for the teenager.
A loan to Willem II in the Netherlands followed where Isak scored 12 goals in 12 games, prompting Spanish side Real Sociedad to sign him. Isak has scored 33 goals in 105 appearances for Sociedad, helping them to win a Copa del Rey trophy in 2020.
At international level, Isak has 27 caps for Sweden, scoring nine goals.
How old is Isak?
Isak is 22, he will turn 23 in September. If Newcastle complete the transfer on a long-term contract, they may see Isak at the peak of his powers over the next few years.
How tall is Isak?
Isak stands at 1.92m or 6ft 3.
How many goals has Isak scored?
The 22-year-old has so far scored 61 league goals in 153 appearances at club level, and nine goals in 37 at international level for Sweden.
How good is Isak?
Isak has long been touted as a star of the future and at the age of 22 has already played for some big European clubs.
His scoring record, whilst phenomenal in Sweden and the Netherlands, is slightly less so in Spain where the standard of opposition is much higher.
Despite this, a record of nearly one goal every three games is still impressive for such a young player, and if Isak is to sign for Newcastle it will undoubtedly be the biggest challenge of his career and an opportunity to display his talents on the biggest stage.
How much will Isak cost?
Newcastle have reportedly agreed a club-record £58m fee for the 22-year-old, smashing their previous transfer record by around £18m, an indicator of Isak’s potential, but the young Swede will also have a lot of pressure on his shoulders at St James’ Park.
