Alexander Isak became Newcastle United’s club-record signing as the Premier League side invested €70m in acquiring his signature from Real Sociedad in the summer window.
The striker scored on his debut against Liverpool at Anfield, but the Magpies lost the tie 2-1, with Fábio Carvalho scoring the late winner. The Sweden international failed to find the back of the net in his side’s draw against Crystal Palace.
AIK Fotboll defender Mikael Lustig knows Isak from his time with the national team. He has developed a bond with the Newcastle player.
Sportbladet had an opportunity to speak with the former Celtic man and asked him about his friend’s move to the Tyneside club.
The 35-year-old is also of the belief his compatriot’s personality will help him manage the huge price tag.
“It is clear that there will always be talk of the price tag and there will be pressure on his shoulders. But those of us who know him know what a down-to-earth guy he is, he will handle it well. It will be nice to follow him,” he explained.
The frontman failed to impress for the La Liga side last campaign and Lustig believes Isak will be able to overcome that with Eddie Howe’s side.
“Yes absolutely, I am very proud. We who have seen him and trained with him know that he has it in himself. He perhaps stuck a little in Sociedad last year, I think this move will do him well,” he stressed.
Isak came up through the ranks of AIK and they will receive part of the fee from his sale to the English club. On this topic, Lustig added: “Yeah, it’s all good.”
