Alexander Isak has the “X-factor” to be a hit at Newcastle.
Coach Eddie Howe has this morning landed his No1 target and club record £58m signing taking his spending to around £210m since January. Howe says the club have splashed out the monster fee for a young Swedish talent who has his “best years” ahead and will improve.
The Real Sociedad and former Dortmund striker, 22, was on Tyneside on Thursday and ready to train with his new team on Friday and is expected to be registered in time to play against Wolves. He has penned a six year deal. In his first verdict on Isak’s signing, Howe said: “He has pace, technical ability, dribbling ability, he has got a bit of X-factor about him. He is slightly different and I think he is capable of scoring goals.
“Every player is different and unique in their ability. He has some qualities I think will be evident when you see him play. He has the mix of qualities that I really like in a forward player.”
“He has had a lot thrown at him for a young player and the experiences he has had have been incredible for someone so young. He played in Germany at a young age, Holland, Spain, big clubs. He has had some great experiences. England and the English game will suit his profile.
“He is a really good athlete. He has a host of things going for him and his best years are still ahead of him.”
The fee eclipses the £40m paid for Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes. He is the eighth signing since January and has left Newcastle fans excited by the prospects of a top eight challenge this season. Asked if he shared that anticipation, Howe said: “I can understand it. I am excited about bringing good players to Newcastle and I will be excited too.”
Howe says he still “backs” Wilson to be a major force this season, despite his injury record. We only expect him to be out for a couple of weeks. It changed our focus on the type but he can be a big player for us.
“I back Callum 100pc. I have never met someone with a better attitude to sport and a better professional. He is disappointed to miss any game. I back him and his body. He has shown this season his two goals were at the highest level.”
Newcastle remain in talks with Manchester United over the sale of keeper Martin Dubravka who has been ousted by Nick Pope. On Dubravka he said: “There has been contact between the clubs. That will continue to happen in the discussions. As for a final outcome I am reluctant to lose players and it will be out of my hands.
"He has not been distracted and the good pro he has been perfect in attitude and mentality."
Isak will have to gel with Allan Saint-Maximin, who was in brilliant form against Manchester City last week. Howe is encouraged by the French winger’s performances and has handed him all the credit.
Howe said: “With any player the responsibility lies with his first and foremost. Allan’s performance was down to him and no one else. He was excellent in every aspect of his game. “The consistency aspect comes from how he lives his life and how he trains and prepares for the next game. If you are consistent in your actions in the week you will be consistent in your performance.
“We need to help him with that and we are. We give him the right support, right framework and right team around him to showcase his talents.”
