Newcastle Close to Agreeing Record Fee for Real Sociedad Striker

Alexander Isak is understood to be in England already to undergo his medical with Newcastle United as they look to finalise a club-record deal with Real Sociedad for the striker.

The search for a new striker has been long and the struggles were apparent in their brave 3-3 draw against Manchester City on Saturday past and their 0-0 draw to Brighton the week prior. Eddie Howe was in need of fresh legs at the top end of the pitch to help with a final push. He had to look to Chris Wood.

The big New Zealander was brought on in the 70th minute of the game and had a little impact. His hold-up play was good but the threat on City’s goal died out as the minutes ticked down.

Wood did make good, however, in their most recent cup clash against Tranmere Rovers. His second-half header put them ahead after Jamaal Lascelles levelled the game for them against the home side.

Besides the Wood goal in the Carabao Cup and two goals of the seven goals scored this season coming from Wilson, Howe and Newcastle have had to rely on goals from all over the pitch and not from their strikers.

Newcastle’s Striker Issues Should Be Solved Soon

They are in need of a hitman and appeared to have solved their goalscoring issues with Real Sociedad striker, Alexander Isak. Also, Wilson is injury-prone with Chris Wood has hit 30 years old.

The deal for Isak will see him become the club’s record signing and most expensive arrival this summer. They will pay a reported fee of £59m for him and he will sign a five-year deal with them.

"The Magpies are edging closer to the marquee signing of Isak, who is set to be confirmed as a Newcastle player in the coming days.The Premier League side have had a £59 million ($69m) offer for the striker accepted, GOAL can confirm. The deal will be made official once the final details have been ironed out between all parties, but personal terms are reportedly already agreed.(via: goal.com)"

This is good for a number of reasons. Firstly, the manager will have options and quality in-depth. All these strikers are known for their goalscoring prowess. Secondly, they provide healthy competition for each other. Lastly, each of them offer a different style of play that could help Eddie Howe change the dynamics of the game, giving him different setups to consider.

Alexander Isak is best known for his time in the EURO 2020 tournament. He didn’t score a goal but aided to his country’s goals and was a driving presence in Sweden’s national team. In his time at Real Sociedad he has played 130 games for them, having a goal contribution of 49 (42 goals and 7 assists).

The lanky forward has also spent two seasons at German side Borussia Dortmund, where he had a spell to forget, playing 13 games (only two starts), scoring one and assisting one.

Despite Not Having a Hitman, Things Are Looking Good for Newcastle

The Magpies remain unbeaten across all competitions since their first kickoff. They’ve already faced a newly-promoted side, the champions of England, and a side in direct battle with them for a spot which was Brighton.

They managed to keep two clean sheets and score seven goals over the first four games, are through to the fourth round of the EFL Cup, and sit sixth in the Premier League standings. Next for them is a trip to West Midlands to take on a struggling Wolves.

Also, they are rumoured to not be done in the summer transfer window. They will now decide if they want to still pursue the signing of Watford’s João Pedro.