Jokin Aperribay has claimed Alexander Isak will not leave La Liga giants Real Sociedad, dealing a blow to Newcastle United’s hopes of signing the Swedish striker.
As reported by 90 min, Newcastle United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Alexander Isak after Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay ruled out a summer move for the highly-rated Swedish striker. The 22-year-old has been the subject of massive interest from the Tyneside-based Premier League outfit, but a transfer looks doubtful at this stage.
Isak is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Europe. He has impressed in La Liga since joining from Borussia Dortmund, scoring 43 goals in 128 appearances across all competitions. Despite his tender age, the 22-year-old is a full-fledged Swedish international and has been influential, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances.
He has caught the interest of many big clubs, especially from the Premier League, with Arsenal flirting with the idea of signing him in January. However, with Isak contracted with La Real until 2026 and protected by a €90 million release clause, the Gunners walked away, holding concerns over the hefty price tag.
A lowly league tally of just ten goals across the 2021/22 season further justifies Arsenal’s stance. The fact that only six of those came in La Liga from 31 appearances, despite playing for the high-flying Real Sociedad, has raised a few eyebrows.
Despite his inconsistent form over the last year, Isak has no shortage of admirers, with Real Madrid keeping an eye on him as a potential long-term successor to Karim Benzema. Newcastle United have also been heavily linked over the last couple of days as they look to make him their headline attacking signing this summer.
The Magpies have already shored up their goalkeeper roster and backline and are turning their attention to adding to their attack. However, after being put off in deals for Hugo Ekitike, Moussa Diaby and Anthony Gordon, Newcastle United have shifted their focus on Isak.
Ideally, Eddie Howe wants a creative midfielder on top of a prolific winger and a new striker. But the Newcastle hierarchy and management have unanimously agreed on the Swedish striker being the perfect signing and have even been ready to put forward a club-record bid to lure Isak to St. James’ Park, which, if accepted, would blow their entire summer budget.
However, Real Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has dealt a blow to Newcastle United’s hopes, insisting the Swedish attacker is not for sale and the club does not want to lose any of its stars ahead of the 2022/23 season. “Clubs know that we do not want to sell,” Aperribay said. “And that is our intention, not to sell any of those players.”
Furthermore, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo suggests Isak has reservations over Newcastle’s ambition to build their team and buy their way to the top and that he prefers to stay at Real Sociedad, where he will participate in the UEFA Europa League next season. As for Newcastle, they will have to identify alternatives for the 22-year-old striker if he remains at Real Sociedad, who might stand firm on the exorbitant asking price.
nah. !