Newcastle United confirmed the signing of Alexander Isak on a six-year deal days ago and have been rushing through the paperwork to have him available for selection.
The 22-year-old has yet to make his debut, missing Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers while being a doubt for Wednesday night’s meeting with Liverpool, but Noel Whelan is excited to see him in action.
Isak scored 44 goals with eight assists from 132 games at Real Sociedad and doesn’t turn 23 for another month. He’s one goal from hitting double figures for the Swedish national team too, so his future is bright.
Whelan told Football Insider: “The fact Newcastle have gone out there and got him with the prime of his career still to come is brilliant work. He is getting good numbers in La Liga which is a top five league, he has a great physique as well. To me, it’s a very, very good signing.”
The 22-year-old is hoping to make his debut against Liverpool, but Newcastle need to have his papers complete 75 minutes before kickoff so he’ll be eligible. If Isak can’t feature, Eddie Howe will have to start Chris Wood as Callum Wilson is sidelined with injury.
Newcastle have a much more formidable attack with Isak and have a blend of both Wood and Wilson in the Swede. He’s good in the air (29/63 aerial duels won in La Liga last season), able to hold the ball up and is a ruthless finisher (35/73 shots on target), so it’s no wonder Whelan is excited.
In other news, Newcastle should break their transfer policy to sign Hakan Calhanoglu
