Newcastle United signed Alexander Isak last month, and the deal was made possible by chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan’s presence at St James’ Park. The PIF chief was in attendance for the Magpies’ 3-3 draw with Manchester City, a thrilling encounter that saw Eddie Howe’s side go toe-to-toe with the Champions. It also saw Callum Wilson pick up a hamstring problem, further heightening the need for Newcastle to sign a striker before the transfer window closed. According to former Newcastle defender Fabricio Coloccini, Al-Rumayyan was a key figure that led to Isak arriving for £59million.
But once the decision was made to ‘do something big’, the Athletic state that going for Isak was a unanimous call by Newcastle chiefs. Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan decided the club should do something big, which resulted in a move for Alexander Isak. It looks like it’s going to be an excellent decision, as Isak looked brilliant on his debut, with Howe already calling him a ‘special player‘. Newcastle’s newest signing scored at Anfield, and was robbed of a second by a very tight offside call.
The Magpies have signed a star of the future who will also play a part in the present, just like deals for Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman. Newcastle now have a very strong spine that should remain at St James’ Park for years. Al-Rumayyan’s desire to ‘do something big’ has led to Newcastle breaking their transfer record, but they have still done it in a measured way. The club didn’t hurl money at a Hollywood name – they paid what was required to land their top target.
