La Liga expert issues Alexander Isak warning after ‘mind-blowing’ Newcastle United move

Former Manchester United forward Terry Gibson has admitted his ‘mind was blown’ by Alexander Isak’s £58million move to Newcastle United.

The Real Sociedad forward became the Magpies record signing last Friday when he put the finishing touches to a surprise move to Tyneside.

However, the Sweden international had to wait to make his United debut as work permit issues meant he had to watch Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers from the Molineux stands.

But the work permit was belatedly received on Wednesday lunchtime and that allowed Isak to make his first appearance in a black and white shirt in the midweek meeting with Liverpool.

The 22-year-old striker wasted little time in making an impact as he got United’s goal in their 2-1 defeat at Anfield - but La Liga expert Gibson has warned Isak ‘has some way to go’ to prove himself on Tyneside.

Gibson told El Tel and Jon’s La Liga Weekly Podcast: “He’s a talented footballer.  I’ve seen a lot of him in La Liga and in international football as well.

“Last season, was it a one off? 16 and 17 goals in the previous seasons, and then six last season, of which only three were from open play. And he played in quite an attacking team!

“I’m not slaughtering him (but) I think he’s got some way to go. I can see his obvious attributes would be appealing to clubs. But I just think £60 million…what does that make Oyarzabal (Sociedad captain) now?”

“It’s an incredible move for him.

“It’s a fantastic football club. If you play for Newcastle up front, and you’re a success, then it’s a fantastic position to be him.

“Callum Wilson, I would say, is ahead of him. But Newcastle clearly are going in the right direction. Isak is a really good player, it’s just my mind was blown by the £60 million.”

Isak will hope to recover from a dead leg suffered in the defeat at Liverpool in time to make his first appearance at St James Park when his new side face Crystal Palace this afternoon.