Newcastle transfer news: Ton faces a race against time to score Isaac for Liverpool

Newcastle have completed a €75m deal for Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad, but he may not be able to make his debut against Liverpool on Wednesday.

The richest club in the world has already strengthened this summer, signing Dutch central defender Sven Putman from Lille for 37 million euros and goalkeeper Nick Pope from relegated Burnley for 11.5 million euros, in addition to loaning Matt Targett from Aston Villa on a permanent basis.

But Isak’s transfer fee exceeded that, and in fact any other sum that Ton had paid a player, with the largest amount of €44 million they gave Hoffenheim to Joelinton in 2019.

Head coach Eddie Howe is optimistic that Isaac is the attacker who can move the needle to his side. The young Swedish player scored 44 goals during his three seasons with Sociedad, after he left Borussia Dortmund with Erling Haaland.

Howe “excited”

“Forwards are always judged based on their goals and creativity, so hopefully it makes a difference,” Howe said after Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Wolverhampton on Sunday.

“He’s the link to play as well, he’s not just a goalscorer and he’s going to contribute to all aspects of our play, so I’m excited.”

Isak is a regular Swedish player with nine goals in 37 games for his country, so he should have no problem getting a work permit – no matter how long it might take. Time reports that Newcastle is ready to move forward.

They wrote: “Newcastle United are willing to wait up to 75 minutes before their Premier League match in Liverpool on Wednesday night to obtain a work permit for the club-record Alexander Isak to play at Anfield.”

Newcastle had undefeated Liverpool in 12 games stretching back to December 2015, when Martin Skrtel’s own goal and Jenny Wijnaldum’s goal scored a 2-0 win at St James’ Park.

Bobby Firmino is the only player to play in that match and is likely to appear in Wednesday’s meeting between the two sides.