A former Borussia Dortmund striker becomes a record new signing for Newcastle United. The newly-rich Premier League club have signed Alexander Isak.

Newcastle United have announced the signing of Alexander Isak. According to consistent media reports, the so-called Magpies will pay Real Sociedad around 70 million euros for the Swede. A record sum for the traditional English club, which has new riches after the takeover by a Saudi Arabian investor group.

Coach Eddie Howe spoke highly of the 22-year-old Isak. “He’s an outstanding talent who can make a big contribution to the team,” Howe said, stressing: “He’s technically very good, with a mix of attributes that fits us well, but he’s also at a great age to grow at this club.”

Isak moved to Borussia Dortmund from Swedish first division club AIK Solna for just under nine million euros in January 2017 with high hopes. However, he failed to make an impact at BVB at this early stage of his career, appearing in just five competitive matches. After a loan spell with Dutch first division club Willem II, he finally fled to Real Sociedad San Sebastian in the summer of 2019 for just under seven million euros. There, the striker finally began to blossom. For the Spaniards, Isak scored 44 goals in 132 competitive games and set up eight more.

“I’m glad it worked out,” Isak said of the move to England. “It was a big, big decision for me, but I’m very happy with it.” Speaking about Newcastle United, the Swedish international striker said, “It’s a great, historic club that I think everyone would love to play for, with great fans. They’ve played a big part in me coming here – and also in the club’s project, which I really believe in.”

The Magpies are on five points after three matchdays following shrewd investment in the summer, selling themselves dear in last week’s 3-3 draw with champions Manchester City.