Would Alexander Isak be an ideal signing for Barcelona?

Paul Macdonald

• Updated: 20 May 2021 11:26 BST
• 2 min read

Barcelona are in need of a rebuild, but they’ll need to do it on a budget. Their debts are rising astronomically. After Luis Suarez’s departure last summer, Lionel Messi threatened to follow, but with Ronald Koeman needing desperately to reduce the age and efficiency of his squad, he will have to look to the future.

Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak has caught the eye at the Camp Nou this season, and sources at ESPN are reporting that the Blaugrana will soon be stepping up their pursuit of the 21-year-old.

The young Swede burst onto the scene at AIK in his homeland, where he scored five goals in just 12 league games. It wasn’t long before Borussia Dortmund came calling, but his first big break perhaps came a little too soon; after just five Bundesliga appearances and no goals, and despite an incredibly successful loan at Willem II in Holland during 2018/19, Isak joined La Real.

His career has utterly thrived in San Sebastian, where he has netted 21 goals in just 57 games. His height, power and technique have blended together in the way many predicted, and it could be that at the end of the season he is ready to step up to the top level again.

From Barcelona’s perspective, Isak would represent excellent business. He is much more consistent and considerably younger than the only recognised central striker at the club now, Martin Braithwaite, and that would be reflected in his value.

But they simply do not have a free run at Isak’s signature. Not only would the €70million release clause in his contract, which runs until 2023, be a huge stumbling block for a club who have been caught out for overspending badly in the past, but Dortmund have a buy-back option on him. The report suggests that they could trigger it with the money they receive from any sale of Erling Haaland.

Physically and technically, Isak is the right fit for Barcelona and could develop into a world class striker. But the pressure on his shoulders would be immense; not only are the club struggling more than they have for almost 20 years, but he may well have to perform without the security of Messi alongside him.

The environment at Barcelona is not ideal for a player of Isak’s profile right now. While he would be ideal for them if an affordable deal could be struck, the player should really think twice about making the move.