Alexander Isak has revealed he was convinced to sign for Newcastle United following meetings with Dan Ashworth, Eddie Howe and Steve Nickson. Arsenal and Barcelona were among those interested in the Sweden international last summer, but it was the Magpies who won the race with a club-record transfer.
Injury hampered Isak's start to life in the Premier League following a memorable goalscoring debut at Anfield in August. However, the 23-year-old finished the campaign in fine form alongside Callum Wilson, and ended up with a respectable return of 10 Premier League goals.
Newcastle's interest in Isak remained the source of speculation in the months following the takeover in October 2021, although a deal for now-Brighton forward Joao Pedro initially seemed to be on the cards the following summer. The Magpies ultimately struck a deal worth up to £63 million with Real Sociedad, and the forward was sold on the move in meetings with the sporting director and head of recruitment, as well as a conversation with Howe.
