Newcastle smash club transfer record with signing of Sweden striker Alexander Isak

Newcastle have obliterated their club transfer record to sign highly-rated striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for around £60m. 

The 22-year-old, who scored 33 goals in 105 LaLiga games, has reportedly signed a six-year contract. 

However, it seems as if Sunday's trip to Wolves will come a bit too soon for the Sweden international, who was announced by the club on 2.29pm, after the Friday midday deadline for registering new signings to play during the forthcoming weekend. 

The signing of Isak has come at just the right time for the Toon as Callum Wilson is set to miss at least the next three matches with a hamstring injury picked up last weekend against Manchester City, while Chris Wood is the Magpies' only other recognised striker. 

Speaking to the club's media team, Isak said: "It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with," he said.

"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's new boss Eddie 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.

"I want to thank the club's owners and transfer committee for bringing Alexander to Newcastle. We are all delighted to have him on board."

Despite standing at 6'3'', Isak is not a target man who relishes aerial duels. Instead, his qualities lie in his ability to get involved in play and link up effectively with his teammates, while his pace and skill in taking on opponents in tight space allow him to create numerous chances for himself from very little.

His best scoring season saw him net 17 in 34 league games for Sociedad, and although his form tailed off last term with just six goals from 32 LaLiga matches, he was still influential in making things happen for his former side. 

Newcastle's next-most expensive purchases were of Brazilian duo Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes in 2019 and 2022 respectively (both for around £40m), and this latest buy is a clear statement of intent by the new ownership, who told i sport in April that they were targeting Champions League football by 2028. On this evidence, that dream may well be realised a few years early.