Newcastle United’s recruitment in the immediate wake of the takeover propelled them into the Champions League.
While not all too many of Newcastle’s signings from last summer have worked out thus far, 2022 proved a different story.
Indeed, the additions of Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett, Chris Wood and Dan Burn in the January transfer window helped guide the club away from a relegation battle.
That summer saw the club bring in the likes of Nick Pope and Sven Botman, who played pivotal roles in helping Eddie Howe establish the joint-best defence in the Premier League last season.
Sadly, other than Anthony Gordon, those who arrived in 2023 have not totally impressed, other than Tino Livramento.
Harvey Barnes may get there too after recovering from injuries and Lewis Hall is starting to impress but Sandro Tonali cannot even play until into next season due to a worldwide ban from football.
Going back to 2022, however, and another name stands out.
In fact, Howe was said to have been so impressed by the player that he instructed the club to sign him after only watching him in action for less than half an hour.
What Eddie Howe was thinking when Newcastle United signed Alexander Isak
That player, of course, is Alexander Isak.
The striker arrived as a club-record addition from Real Sociedad in 2022 and has proven an incredible signing, albeit injuries have proven frustrating.
Isak has scored 29 times in just 59 games for Newcastle, form that has seen him linked with a move away.
Howe, however, has insisted the 24-year-old is going nowhere and insight into how he came to the decision to bring Isak to St James’ Park has now emerged.
According to The Athletic, Howe was aware of Isak during his days in Sweden, Still, it was when he watched a video of the striker in action for Sociedad against Barcelona that truly convinced him.
It is claimed Howe was so taken by Isak’s decision-making and technical quality that he paused the video and told Newcastle to go out and get him.
What has Alexander Isak said about his Newcastle future?
Luckily for Newcastle, Isak has committed his future to Newcastle.
Earlier this week, he said (via the Evening Standard): “Of course I want to be here in the future.
“I came here for the project, I absolutely love playing here, I really feel at home. I want to finish this season in a good way for me and the team. I love playing here.”
The post Report: Eddie Howe told Newcastle to sign 24-year-old player after watching him for under half an hour appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.