Alexander Isak signs for Saudi-funded Newcastle for $70M

Newcastle made its most eyecatching move in the transfer market since coming under Saudi ownership, setting a club record to sign Sweden striker Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad for a reported 70 million euros ($70 million) on Friday.

It takes the spending of the richest club owners in world soccer to more than $130 million in the summer transfer window, though Newcastle still isn't targeting the game's top players despite its wealth.

The 22-year-old Isak burst into global consciousness through some impressive displays for Sweden at the European Championship last year.

He is widely regarded as a potential star of the future thanks to his pace and dribbling ability but has a modest scoring record, having netted 44 goals in 132 appearances for Sociedad and nine in 37 for Sweden.

Isak joined Borussia Dortmund at the age of 17 and was sold two years later in 2019 after failing to break into the team.

"He is an outstanding talent who is capable of making a big contribution to the team," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said.

"He is technically very good, with a mix of attributes that will complement us, but he is also at a great age to grow with this club."

Netherlands defender Sven Botman, England goalkeeper Nick Pope and left back Matt Targett have already joined Newcastle in this transfer window.

Joelinton was Newcastle's previous record signing after joining for 35 million pounds (then $44 million) in 2019.

That was two years before the buyout by Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund that has moved the club from northeast England into a different realm.

Isak will compete with Callum Wilson and Chris Wood for a place up front. Wilson is facing time out of the team after getting hurt in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City on Sunday.

"I'm delighted to have it done," Isak said of his move. "It was a big, big decision for me but it is a decision I am really happy with."

He added: "You always want to go into a team and know how they play. I think Newcastle play very attractive football and I want to be a part of that."

Isak made his first-team debut for AIK on 28 February 2016, appearing as a substitute in the 75th minute of the Swedish Cup away match against fourth-tier side Tenhults IF.

At age 16, Isak scored a goal in the 6–0 victory.

On 23 January 2017, Isak signed for Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund on a longterm contract, lasting until the summer of 2022.

The transfer fee was undisclosed, but reports suggested that it was set at €9 million, which would be the highest transfer fee ever paid for an Allsvenskan player.

Before signing with Dortmund, Isak reportedly turned down a move to Real Madrid.