‘Big problem’: ESPN pundit reacts to what he’s hearing about Newcastle summer signing

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Craig Burley has made it clear that if Alexander Isak scores 12 Premier League goals this season, then it’s a ‘big problem’, as he told ESPN.

The former Scotland international was told about how it has been suggested Newcastle’s big summer signing can hit that mark during this campaign.

But given that the Saudi-led club broke their transfer record for the player, then Burley feels that counts as a ’struggle’ and he is seemingly expecting more.

Isak wowed his new supporters on his Premier League debut when he scored a rocket of an effort against Liverpool, before having an even better goal disallowed.

That’s just a sign of things to come from the 21-year-old, who was brought in late on during a very busy summer transfer window for Eddie Howe.

Isak might find that his game time is limited once Callum Wilson returns to action, as Burley reacted to claims he might get around 12 goals this term.

“If we are having an under or over of 12 for £70 million, whatever it is,” said Burley. “He’s a striker they have paid a fortune for, then we have a big problem.

“If you are over or under of 12, then there is a struggle. If you are a midfielder getting 12, then it’s a decent season.

“If you are a striker getting 12, and you have played a lot of games, then it’s not particularly good – he’s an international footbaler and his goal against Liverpool was fantastic, but it turns out that it’s not that difficult to score against them.”

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT WITH ISAK

Isak hasn’t been brought in for the here and now, someone like Wilson and Chris Wood are at the club to deliver for the present.

For the Sweden international, it’s all about showing promise and magical moments like he did at Anfield to prove why he was signed.

Once Wilson is back up and running, it will be interesting to see how Howe uses both of his players and can they both play together?

From a technical standpoint, Isak can certainly be versatile and play with the England hopeful, which just goes to show why the Toon Army faithful are excited about his capture – this is a long-term build, not about what’s coming around the corner, so 12 goals would be a fantastic return.