Eddie Howe has maintained he would not swap striker Alexander Isak for anyone else after the forward’s thrilling performance against Sheffield United on Saturday, April 27, 2024.
Howe watched Isak inspire Newcastle United to a comeback win over now-relegated Sheffield United, scoring a brace in the goal-bash encounter.
Anel Ahmedhodzic had initially put the away side ahead at St James’ Park in the 5th minute, however, Alexander Isak equalized for Sheffield United in the 26th minute, with the game heading into the interval with both sides level.
Bruno Guimarães afterwards netted for Newcastle United in the 54th minute, before Isak got his second of the day via the spot.
The culminating goals of the affair came from Ben Osborn in the 65th minute, an own goal, and Callum Wilson in the 72nd minute of the showpiece, as the Magpies picked up a smashing 5-1 victory at their home turf.
Meanwhile, Alexander Isak, 24, has been in sublime form this season, scoring 23 goals and providing 1 assist in 36 appearances.
His display has seen him being linked to several top clubs, including Barcelona, who are said to be interested in getting his services, as they look to get rid of veteran striker Robert Lewandowski.
Eddie Howe replies to question on if Alexander Isak is “World-class”
Questioned if the Swedish attacker is world-class, manager Eddie Howe said: “I think he is, yes, I think he is.
“For me, I think the biggest thing is would I swap him with anybody else? No, I wouldn’t.
“When you look at his age profile and what’s to come, you look at his attributes and his qualities, he’s some talent.”
Eddie Howe emphatically stated that Isak, who is Newcastle United’s record signing, having joined the club from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022 for a fee of £63 million, is not for sale.
Howe also stressed that everyone should just relish the performances of Isak, and how he is playing xurremy.
He said: “I think we should just enjoy his performances, how he’s playing at the moment.
“He’s full of confidence, he looks physically in a really good place and I just think it’s a great thing to watch him play currently.”
Alexander Isak’s football career
Alexander Isak has continued to develop greatly in his career, having begun his journey at Swedish giants AIK Fotboll, before joining Borussia Dortmund on January 23, 2017, for a fee of €8.6 million.
Isak was loaned to Dutch club Willem II on January 25, 2019, and he spent half of the 2018/19 season at the club before returning to Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
The 24-year-old was then sold to Real Sociedad on July 1, 2019, for a fee of €15 million.
He blossomed magnificently in Spain, scoring 44 goals and providing 8 assists in 132 appearances across all competitions.
Following his impressive spell with Spain, Alexander Isak then opted to join Newcastle United and he has been wonderful thus far.
Cumulatively, Isak has scored 33 goals and provided 4 assists in 63 appearances for the Magpies.
Internationally, Alexander Isak has scored 10 goals and provided 5 assists in 44 appearances for the national team of Sweden.
