Alexander Isak: Who is he and what’s the latest on Newcastle United’s club record pursuit of Real Sociedad striker?

The Magpies have spent the summer transfer window searching for additions to their front-line and, after multiple failed enquiries and bids, have finally secured a deal for one of their top targets.

Sweden striker Isak is seemingly the man tasked with adding firepower to Eddie Howe’s attack, but just who is he and what would he bring to Newcastle United if he makes a £58million move to St James’s Park?

Here, we take a look at everything you need to know about Alexander Isak and the current status of Newcastle’s pursuit of the striker:

Who is Newcastle United target Alexander Isak?

Isak is regarded as one of European football’s hottest prospects after starring with Real Sociedad since his move to Spain from Borussia Dortmund in 2019.

Isak bagged 33 goals during his first two seasons in Spain before a slight drop-off last year where he managed ten in all competitions.

His main strengths involve helping to link-up play, whilst also being a threat in the penalty box.

His physical attributes mean Isak can be a solid option as a ‘target man’, as well as being an effective weapon running at opposition defenders.

These threats were encapsulated by his goal against Barcelona at the weekend where Isak picked up the ball, used his pace to first glide past the defender, before his physicality allowed him to shrug off a second challenge as he chipped the ball over a despairing Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Why are Newcastle United interested in Isak?

The Magpies have shown a desire to sign young and versatile attacking players this summer.

Their attempts to sign Hugo Ekitike ultimately ended in failure, however, the blueprint for the type of attacking players they were aiming to sign was clear to see.

Isak fits into the Ekitike mould fairly well and will be an option for Howe across his front-three, as well as being able to lead the line in Callum Wilson’s absence.

What’s the latest on Newcastle’s bid for Isak?

Newcastle have had a £58million deal for the Sweden international accepted by Real Sociedad after initially being priced out of a move earlier this summer.

The La Liga side have reportedly dropped their asking price for Isak after initially trying to hold out for a club to match his release clause.

It had been previously reported that Newcastle chiefs were in ‘unanimous agreement’ that they should pursue a deal for Isak this summer.

If completed, Isak would become Newcastle’s most expensive player of all-time, eclipsing the existing record that saw Joelinton move to Tyneside from Hoffenheim.

United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth and head of recruitment Steve Nickson are currently in Spain and working on a deal to finalise his move to St James’s Park.

What has been said about Isak?

During last summer’s European Championships, Gary Lineker was full of praise for Isak, tweeting: ‘I do not think there is any doubt that Alexander Isak will attract interest from clubs around Europe. Exceptional talent.’