Newcastle boss Eddie Howe backs new record signing Alexander Isak to deliver ‘X-factor’
- Planet Sport writer
- 26 August 2022
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe believes Alexander Isak can make a big contribution at St James’ Park after completing his £58million move from Real Sociedad.
The 22-year-old is the most expensive signing in Newcastle's history, with the fee comfortably beating the £40million the Magpies paid for Brazilian Joelinton during the summer of 2019.
What's more, this latest deal takes the club's spending in the two transfer windows since Amanda Staveley's consortium took over to around £210m.
Isak, who has 37 senior caps for Sweden, said: "I'm delighted to have it done. It was a big, big decision for me, but it is a decision I am really happy with.
"It is a great, historical club that I think anyone would like to play for, with amazing fans. They were a big part of why I came here - and also the club's project, which is one that I really believe in.
"You always want to go into a team and know how they play. I think Newcastle play very attractive football and I want to be a part of that."
Isak is the Magpies' fourth summer capture after Matt Targett, Nick Pope and Sven Botman, and his arrival represents a major breakthrough for the Magpies' recruitment team, which has been pursuing attacking reinforcements all summer.
Howe said: "I'm very excited that Alexander has chosen to join us. He is an outstanding talent who is capable of making a big contribution to the team.
"He is technically very good, with a mix of attributes that will complement us, but he is also at a great age to grow with this club."
He added: "He will add those qualities he has - he has pace, technical ability, dribbling ability, he has got a bit of X-factor about him.
"He is slightly different and I think he is capable of scoring goals."