English clubs showed an insatiable appetite for signing strikers this summer — and Newcastle's purchase of Alexander Isak could be one of the transfer window's shrewdest acquisitions.

The Magpies pulled off a coup by sealing a £63million deal for the Real Sociedad star, beating a number of Europe's top clubs to his signature.

Swedish international Isak, 22, made an immediate impact on the Premier League by scoring on his debut against Liverpool last month.

As the Tynesiders prepare to host Bournemouth this afternoon, we take a look at how he can fire Eddie Howe's men up the table.

Striker required

Newcastle enjoyed a remarkable resurgence under Howe last season — but 11 Premier League teams still scored more than their total of 44 goals.

With the injury-prone Callum Wilson accounting for eight of those strikes, signing a new centre forward this summer was imperative.

Toon's record of seven goals in six league games this season remains disappointing, despite them creating 11.5 chances per 90 minutes.

Supporters at St James' Park will be hoping Isak is the man to convert those opportunities on a regular basis.

Seizing an opportunity

At first glance, Isak's goal record last season is uninspiring.

The 6ft 4in frontman only scored six times in 32 LaLiga matches, though he did net three further goals in the Europa League and once in the Copa del Rey.

But despite Newcastle's new-found wealth, they would arguably have struggled to attract a forward of Isak's calibre without that slight dip in form, such was the clamour for his services before 2021-22.

The upwardly mobile Magpies are banking on Isak rediscovering his scoring touch in England — and the early signs are positive following his goal on Merseyside.

Proven pedigree

Newcastle have good reason to be confident about Isak's potential.

After all, he has hit double figures in five seasons across all competitions for AIK, Willem II and Real Sociedad.

His underlying numbers were also surprisingly good last term.

The 37-cap international's 0.39 expected goals per 90 was significantly higher than his 0.25 per 90 goal return in LaLiga, while a record of 1.46 shots on target per 90 was the seventh most in Spain's top tier.

If Isak continues getting into dangerous areas, the goals will surely start flowing for Newcastle's No14.

A strong start

Only a controversial VAR offside call prevented Isak from registering a brace on his Newcastle bow — and Howe was full of praise for the club's marquee signing after that 2-1 defeat at Anfield.

The Magpies boss said: "He [Isak] looked a threat and his pace was a key outlet for us.

"I didn't realise how close it was until I just saw the VAR picture now. That's a hugely frustrating one because it's potentially game-defining."

Though that result was a blow for Newcastle, their star striker's performance will have been cause for optimism amid the gloom of defeat.

Ideal surroundings

A striker is only as good as his supply line and — luckily for Isak — he is in good company at St James' Park.

Only six Premier League players had created more big chances than Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff (three) ahead of Matchday 8, while attacking full-back Kieran Trippier has conjured an impressive 11 opportunities for his team-mates.

Trippier had also completed the second highest number of crosses in the top flight prior to this weekend — and Isak is likely to thrive on those deliveries.

Though the Magpies may not be firing on all cylinders just yet, their Scandinavian striker could be the final piece of the puzzle.