According to a report by The Daily Mail, Newcastle United are interested in a move for Real Sociedad forward Alexander Isak.
Understandably, many are excited about the prospect of Isak joining the Magpies. He’s a talented young attacker who has been courted by some of Europe’s biggest clubs over the past few years.
However, in our view, this isn’t a signing that makes all that much sense for the Magpies.
Indeed, thus far since Newcastle United’s takeover, the club have been very sensible in the transfer market. They’ve refused to spend big-money on blockbuster names, instead assembling a core of talented players signed for reasonable fees.
They range from the experienced and well-versed such as Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier to the up-and-coming stars of the future such as Sven Botman or Bruno Guimaraes. But, no matter what, Newcastle have, thus far, made sure to steer clear of being ripped off.
That’s what makes this Isak link so baffling.
Now, we’re not saying that the Swedish attacker is a dud. After all, he was mightily impressive during Euro 2020, and he had a fantastic 2020/21 campaign.
However, it’s fair to say that Isak’s form has tailed off a fair bit this season.
He only scored six La Liga goals in 32 appearances last term, but that hasn’t led to a drop in his asking price as Sociedad are still looking for more than £40m for the towering Swede.
PIF have been smart and savvy in the window thus far, but splurging in excess of £40m on a striker who, with all due respect, has just one good season under his belt seems very off-brand for a club that plans to build smartly rather than quickly.
Isak could be a star at Newcastle, but this would be the biggest transfer gamble the Magpies have made since their takeover.
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