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Newcastle United have completed the signing of striker Alexander Isak for a club-record £63m fee from Real Sociedad.
Although the club are still awaiting International Clearance, the necessary paperwork was submitted by the club in time to meet the weekend deadline.
Isak travelled to Tyneside by private jet, alongside his representatives, Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth and head of recruitment Steve Nickson on Thursday morning.
Ashworth and Nickson had spent the previous 48 hours in Spain agreeing a deal with Real Sociedad.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said at his Friday morning news conference he was keen to involve Isak as soon as possible with Callum Wilson – his other striking option – unavailable for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.
“He will probably need to train with us in the next two days to be available to play….we’re very keen to see him get involved as quickly as possible.”
Howe admits while Wilson’s injury is not seen as severe, it influenced Newcastle’s decision to move for Isak.
“We are hopeful Callum will only be out for a couple of weeks,” said the Newcastle boss.
“I think we reacted slightly off that, we were always looking for an attacking player but it changed our focus slightly on the type. But we’re delighted to hopefully sign Alex.”
Spanish football expert Euan McTear told the Transfer Show:
“This deal really did come as a shock, not just because Alexander Isak was moving but the price of £60m. It’s a really big price and it had to be in order to get Real Sociedad to pick up the phone.
“Remember his release clause was €90m so it had to be close to that. I think it’s a lot of money for him – maybe a little too much – but he’s a player who can score goals. He’s had streaks such as in 2019/20 when he scored 12 goals in 12 games, including against Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“Last season wasn’t so great. He only scored six goals and his xG was 10.8. He was only the second player in La Liga with a negative xG than his actual goals. He’s a streaky player but his ceiling is high. If you’ve got the money, why not?”