With all signs currently pointing towards the departure of Alexander Isak this summer, Newcastle United are already reportedly planning how to spend the hefty transfer fee that they’ll receive if the Swede does seal his exit in the coming weeks.
In what has already been a summer transfer window to forget, the last thing that Newcastle needed was the bombshell that Isak sent their way last week. After missing out on Hugo Ekitike at the hands of Liverpool, there would have been plenty of hope that the Magpies would at least keep hold of their own star man. And in truth, it seemed as though that would be the case until Isak, himself, unexpectedly opened the door to a departure this summer.
Now, Liverpool are reportedly expected to make their move for the talented forward and continue a spending spree which is likely to reach the £400m-mark if they welcome Isak this summer. Whilst Arne Slot is left spoilt for choice, Eddie Howe and his transfer team have been forced back to square one for the umpteenth time.
Amid all of their transfer frustration, however, there is some good news for those at St James’ Park. Having identified the goalkeeper position as one that needs upgrading, as Nick Pope continues to fall short of his best form, the Magpies have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Aaron Ramsdale for Southampton.
The former Arsenal man solves one of Howe’s biggest problems and could be the beginning of a change in fortune, given Newcastle’s reported plan if they sell Isak this summer.
Newcastle targeting Barella in post-Isak spending spree
According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan in what will be a post-Isak spending spree. The superstar midfielder has been strongly linked with Real Madrid this summer, but their interest seems to have stalled over his price tag reaching €65m (£56m).
Isak is expected to cost any side around £150m ahead of next season, which would hand Newcastle the ultimate freedom to spend. And that’s when they could make their move to hijack Madrid’s interest in Barella.
The Italian would arguably form the Premier League’s most combative midfield alongside Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, with Joelinton also adding depth in that same role. Whilst Howe’s frontline would take a major hit, his midfield could reach a new level entirely courtesy of Isak’s potential departure.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) |
Barella |
Guimaraes |
---|---|---|
Starts |
29 |
38 |
Progressive Passes |
235 |
271 |
Tackles Won |
31 |
47 |
Ball Recoveries |
165 |
188 |
Ask Howe to name his perfect midfielder and the answer is likely to be Guimaraes. It’s, therefore, no surprise that Newcastle reportedly have Barella in their sights.
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In nine less games last season, the Italian almost matched Guimaraes all the way in several key areas. Put them together at the heart of Howe’s side and Newcastle’s midfield – both in and out of possession – could dominate almost every Premier League side.