Newcastle eye ‘magnificent’ Swedish star, Shearer said he has ‘big hopes for him’

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Newcastle have reportedly joined the race for £40million-rated Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak after a deal for Hugo Ekitike fell through – a player Alan Shearer branded “magnificent” and has “big hopes” for him.

The Mail claim a fee of £25million for French talent Ekitike had been agreed with Stade Reims. But the striker’s agents were demanding ludicrous fees and that has seen a move fall through. Attention could now turn to Isak.

The report claims that while Isak is on Newcastle’s ‘radar’, the £40million price tag is likely to prove prohibitive. That is down to Newcastle spending north of £30million on Sven Botman, and £25million on Nick Pope and Matt Targett.

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But if a compromise could be reached, Newcastle might end up bringing the 22-year-old to Tyneside. A player that Toon legend Shearer raved about during his work as a pundit at Euro 2020, claiming Isak is “magnificent”.

“He has had a magnificent season at Sociedad. 21 years of age. Scored on his full debut at 17 years against Slovakia to become the youngster ever goalscorer for his country,” Shearer said, before a 0-0 draw against Spain.

“17 goals from 34 games last season that earned him the Young Player of the Year in Spain, so you can understand the hype, you can understand why there is an excitement about him. Big hopes for him.”

Newcastle have joined race for Isak: Shearer has ‘big hopes’ for him

What a signing Isak would be. A player that is still incredibly young at 22, at almost 200 appearances throughout his club career and 37 caps, Isak is already very experienced. Speed, skill, goals, power – he has it all.

A young Callum Wilson, if you will. The England international would certainly rival Isak for a place in the side but given his injury record, it would not take long for Isak to become the club’s first-choice striker. Even at £40m, a bargain.