Eddie Howe hopes Newcastle United will be able to attract more exciting players in the future if Alexander Isak and the club's other summer signings 'do well' and 'create a pathway'.
Newcastle smashed the club's transfer record to sign Isak from Real Sociedad in a move that was once an unimaginable prospect not so long ago. In fact, as recently as last month, Newcastle feared a deal would not be financially viable before a £58m switch was agreed last week.
It feels like a real statement of intent. Erling Haaland and Dusan Vlahovic, after all, are the only other players aged 22 and under to have scored more goals in Europe's top five leagues in the last four years than Isak.
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Isak, for his part, was settled at Sociedad, but the Sweden international felt he could not turn down the chance to be a part of Newcastle's 'great project' as Howe's side bid to upset the established order in the coming years. So could Isak, Sven Botman and co help entice other players to St James' Park in the future?
"Certainly, if they come here and do well, it does create a pathway for other players to follow," Howe told reporters. "It just highlights the fact that, touch wood, we will develop players and bring out the best in their qualities.
"There are a lot of players around the world that are looking for that opportunity but, also, that their careers have a positive influence coming here so that's what we will try and do."
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