FC Barcelona has secured its first major signing of the summer. Alexander Isak will become the new '9' for Hansi Flick's team, thus fulfilling one of the great wishes of the board led by Joan Laporta and Deco.
The Swedish forward, until now a player for Newcastle United, has been one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. With 19 goals in 28 matches, he has proven to be an elite goal scorer, combining power, speed and finishing. These qualities have convinced Barça to make a financial effort to bring him in as the great successor to Robert Lewandowski.
A Strategic Signing for Barça
Isak's signing addresses FC Barcelona's need to renew its attack. Although Lewandowski has been key in recent years, his performance has declined this season and the club is looking for a young forward with potential for the future.
Isak, at 25 years old (25 años), represents the perfect combination of youth, experience and quality. His ability to play both in the area and in motion fits with the play style Flick wants to implement at Barça.
Additionally, the Swedish forward already has experience in LaLiga, having excelled at Real Sociedad before signing for Newcastle. His adaptation won't be a problem and he will be able to perform from day one.
Barça has worked for months on this operation and has finally managed to reach an agreement with Newcastle on favorable terms. The transfer has been set at 80 million euros, a figure that the Catalan club has managed to reduce by including three players in the deal.
The Details of the Operation:
- Transfer Price: 80M€
- Contract Duration: 5 Years (Until 2030)
- Salary: 9M€ Net per Season
- Bonuses: Variable According to Titles and Performance
To make the signing possible, Barça has included in the operation three players who were not in Flick's plans.
The Sacrificed in the Isak Operation
To make the operation viable, Barça has had to part with three players who, while they have had a role in the squad, were not essential for Hansi Flick.
The players who will make the reverse journey to Newcastle are:
- Ferran Torres: The winger hasn't managed to establish himself at Barça and returns to the Premier League, where he already played with Manchester City.
- Eric García: The center-back also has no place in the blaugrana defense and Newcastle sees him as an interesting piece to strengthen their defense.
- Ansu Fati: The player hasn't found his place and Barça has included his departure to facilitate the negotiation.
With this formula, the blaugrana club manages to lower the cost of the operation and, at the same time, frees up space in the wage bill.
Isak Arrives with a Clear Objective: Return Barça to the Top
The Swede has always shown his admiration for FC Barcelona and sees this opportunity as the next big step in his career. He knows he will be the offensive reference for the team, with the responsibility of leading the attack in the coming years.
Additionally, Hansi Flick has been key in Isak's decision. The German coach has insisted on his signing and considers that his profile fits perfectly with the play style he wants to implement in the team.
With Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal as partners in the attack, Isak will have the ideal context to shine and become Barça's new star goal scorer.
With Isak's signing secured, the blaugrana board continues to work on more moves to strengthen the squad. Flick wants a midfielder and a right-back and the club already has several options on the table. Isak is already a blaugrana and the Culé fans have a new idol at Camp Nou.