Newcastle United‘s pursuit of attacking reinforcements looks as though it will finally bear fruit. According to The Athletic, they have come to an agreement with Real Sociedad for the transfer of Alexander Isak, and there are two other signings they are looking to make before deadline day next Thursday, September 1st.
Newcastle Aiming for £125 Million Triple Signing
🚨 Alexander Isak has signed a six-year contract (2028) with Newcastle. #NUFC sorting paperwork in hope 22yo striker will be available to face Wolves on Sun. Joining from Real Sociedad for ~£60m; club’s all-time record transfer @TheAthleticUK #RealSociedad https://t.co/MK1iKc2j8x
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) August 26, 2022
Isak to Become Record Signing
According to reports, a deal worth around £60m has been agreed for the 22-year-old Swedish striker. This would make him Newcastle’s record signing, and a record fee received for Real Sociedad. The Magpies have been looking to provide competition for current first-choice striker Callum Wilson. While he boasts an impressive scoring record and is one of the Premier League’s most clinical finishers, Wilson’s injury record makes signing another striker a priority.
Isak is highly rated for his goal-scoring, but also for his ability to run with the ball. He has a talent for picking up pockets of space in advanced areas and driving towards goal. This allows him to penetrate defences and create chances for himself and others. Notably, he had a particularly impressive 2020/21 campaign, recording 17 goals in La Liga. This was backed up by an impressive showing for Sweden at Euro 2020. He looked dangerous in the group stages, with two assists before Sweden were knocked out in the Round of 16 by Ukraine.
Last season’s goal contributions were below expectations, but this can likely be explained by the fact that he was used more in a wide role on either wing. Previously he had lined up exclusively as a central striker which is where he got his goals. This experience demonstrates versatility and the potential that although being brought in as competition for Wilson, the two may be able to be used in partnership.
Joao Pedro Signing Imminent
Newcastle have also agreed a deal for Watford‘s 20-year-old Brazilian Joao Pedro. According to Fabrizio Romano, the clubs have now agreed on a £25m fee, with £5m in add-ons.
João Pedro to Newcastle, done deal and here we go! Full agreement as Watford have now accepted final, official bid worth £25m fixed fee, £5m add-ons. 🚨⚪️⚫️🇧🇷 #NUFC
Deal will also include sell-on clause for 10%. Personal terms already, as been told contract will be until 2028. pic.twitter.com/MejBeGtHQO
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 22, 2022
Last season, Joao Pedro operated mainly as a central striker, but also regularly from the left wing. He is a pacey, forward-thinking player who is capable of both coming deep to receive the ball into his feet, and of sitting on the shoulder of the last defender making runs in behind.
Following Watford’s relegation, there was always a feeling that he was too good to drop to the Championship. Everton were the main competitors for his signature, driven partially by Chelsea’s pursuit of Anthony Gordon. Eddie Howe will be delighted to add him to his current attacking options.
Further Attacking Options Being Pursued
Another player of great interest to them is Leeds United winger Jack Harrison. He has impressed at Leeds over the past few seasons but particularly came to the fore last campaign. Notching eight Premier League goals in a struggling side, Harrison strongly contributed to their Premier League survival. He has started this season in spectacular form, with one goal and three assists in Leeds’ three league matches so far. He particularly stood out in a starring role in their shock 3-0 victory over Chelsea.
Newcastle have reportedly had two bids rejected by Leeds already, up to the value of £20m. It is thought that their asking price is closer to £35 million. Newcastle will therefore have to almost double their offer to prize him away from Elland Road.
So far Newcastle have refused to be held to ransom in the transfer market despite their new-found wealth. As the transfer window draws towards its conclusion, their reluctance to pay large fees will be tested as they try to fill the gaps in their squad.
