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Isak joins Newcastle, leaving 70 million for Real Sociedad

The Swedish striker signs for Newcastle after the Magpies made an offer which Real Sociedad couldn’t turn down - a new club transfer record.

Roberto Ramajo
Roberto RamajoRobertoRamajo
Real Sociedad's Swedish forward Alexander Isak celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish league football match between Real Sociedad and Villarreal CF at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on December 18, 2021. (Photo by ANDER GILLENEA / AFP)
ANDER GILLENEADiarioAS

Alexander Isak is on his way to Newcastle. Another of LaLiga’s stars moves to the Premier League. Local Basque media reports that Newcastle, one of England’s nouveau riche, has reached an agreement with Real Sociedad for the transfer of Alexander Isak for 70 million euros. AS has been able to confirm the news of the sale of the Swedish striker. The Premier League has taken a number of star players from Spanish clubs this summer - Manchester United poached Casemiro from Real Madrid by surprise, and Aston Villa signed Diego Carlos, a key player at Sevilla. And the number of transfers continues to rise.

Newcastle made Real Sociedad an offer which they couldn’t refuse. Isak’s buy-out clause was 90 million euros, but the fixed amount of 70 million plus another five million in bonuses left La Real with a simple decision to made. Now, the Basque club will be able to focus on investing that windfall between now and when the transfer window closes in just over a week’s time.

Real Sociedad's Swedish forward Alexander Isak (R) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish League football match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on August 21, 2022. (Photo by Ander GILLENEA / AFP)
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Real Sociedad's Swedish forward Alexander Isak (R) celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Spanish League football match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at the Anoeta stadium in San Sebastian on August 21, 2022. (Photo by Ander GILLENEA / AFP)ANDER GILLENEAAFP

Saudi-owned Newcastle had been showing signs of wanting to shake up the market. Above all, he was looking for a big name transfer. Darwin Núñez escaped them, preferring to sign for Liverpool. For La Real, Isak’s move to St. James Park is the most expensive sale in their history - more than double what they sold Antoine Griezmann for, and for Newcastle, he is their most expensive acquisition. Newcastle have been browsing the Spanish market since the new owners took charge of the club. They signed Kieran Trippier from Atlético de Madrid for 15 million. Now they have broken the bank for Isak, a 22-year-old forward, who has not yet reached his peak.