Manchester United could target Alexander Isak if they falter in their pursuit of either Harry Kane or Erling Haaland.
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United are preparing a fallback option if they fail to sign Erling Haaland or Harry Kane. This player is understood to be Real Sociedad’s Swedish forward Alexander Isak, who is currently playing with Sweden at the Euros.
Despite being linked to strikers, it’s not a priority for Manchester United in this window. Their primary target is a right-winger, as they are linked with a move for Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho. Other areas, such as centre-back, are seen as more critical target areas.
With Harry Kane pushing for an exit from Tottenham and Erling Haaland fast establishing himself as a top striker, clubs are sensing an opportunity to do sign them. Both strikers carry a similar price, reportedly around £150 million, which will make suitors think twice before hitting the sanction button.
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In the case of Kane, with both Manchester clubs interested, there might be a general reluctance to pay the price demanded by Tottenham. Haaland also interests both the clubs, but Chelsea are thought to be the frontrunners for the Norwegian.
Haaland will be available for half his current asking price next summer, with a release clause in place. However, the interested clubs fear a transfer battle will ensue next summer and are hence willing to pay a premium on the Norwegian to acquire him right away, with United also not willing to pay the asking price for him.
Such a situation could mean, United may not sign either of those strikers and are ready to look towards alternatives, namely Alexander Isak from Real Sociedad. The lanky Swedish striker would be available for a significantly lower price, although Dortmund had inserted a €30 million buy-back clause when they sold.
Isak has scored 33 goals in 89 games for Sociedad and has shown promising signs that he will be similar to Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic. While he has a bright future ahead of him, he may not be what United need in this window after all.
After extending Edinson Cavani’s deal, United’s most pressing need might not be a striker after all. They will pursue their striker targets if the price is right, which may not be the case with their primary targets. In the next few weeks, it will be apparent what United’s transfer strategy is, and we’ll have to see where Isak ends up.
