Alexander Isak vowed to justify his £58m club record transfer fee and help Newcastle win a cup.
The Sweden striker, 22, was confirmed as a Toon player yesterday and will wear the number 14 shirt saying he joined to be part of Eddie Howe’s attacking brand of football. Isak, who left Real Sociedad, admitted his huge fee and six year contract comes with a “responsibility” to deliver on Tyneside. The former Dortmund star was also attracted by the “project” that the Saudi owners have kicked off with £210m already spent on eight new players this year.
Isak said: “The record fee? I don’t know what to say. I just play my football. I do my best and those parts the other guys take care of. Of course that comes with a responsibility. I will give my best and do my all to help this club reach its goals. There are lots of parts that need to be in place to make a big decision like this. A big reason is the great project that I can see this club has going on.
“I have seen the way they play and it is very attractive football. Not least the amazing fans that you can see are very passionate, and I can feel that by being here. This city breathes Newcastle so I am happy. I want to reach these goals with the team and take this project forward.”
Isak has studied Newcastle since he knew of their interest in signing him earlier this summer. The deal had been thought to be out of Newcastle’s current budget, but was restructured.
Isak said Howe has sold a simple vision of the way he fits into the Toon team adding: “ Howe? That is a big part of the signing. You have to know that you fit in the game the way the team plays. I have seen and heard this plays very straightforward football, very likes attacking and wants to get forward on the pitch. That fits me very well and that is the football I want to play.
“I see myself as more than a goal scorer. I like to be part of the game and involved with a lot of actions, not just staying in my position. The tempo is fast and physical and it’s really a challenge to play here.”
Isak spoke to Sociedad team mate Mikel Merino, ex of Rafa Benitez’ Newcastle, and international team mate Emile Krafth before joining.
He revealed: “I have spoken to people I know who have been around the club or here. They only had good things to say about the club, fans and city. It was all positive.
“I always watch the Premier League on TV. I have seen Newcastle play a lot. Since we started talking I have been looking a lot more closely. I know their game. I have to work hard to get in the team quickly.
He scored in a defeat to Barcelona last weekend and added: “I was back playing in Spain. I am fit and see myself as ready. I have to get in with the guys and get on the pitch and play games.”#
