Howe desperate to keep ‘world-class’ Isak at Newcastle

It may have taken longer than he would have wanted or his manager had expected. But Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak finally has a Premier League hat-trick to his name.

A clinical treble in a 4-0 away thrashing of Ipswich Town saw the Swede hailed as a “world-class talent” by Howe, who stressed his desire to keep him at the club with the January transfer window opening soon.

The 25-year-old now has 10 Premier League goals this season, only three behind top goalscorers Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

That is 41 Premier League goals in 67 appearances for Newcastle since Isak joined for a club record £63m from Real Sociedad in August 2022 – and he now has his first match ball.

“It’s been a long time coming for Newcastle, my first one here,” he said.

“I’m buzzing. Scoring goals will give confidence and help me and the team. It doesn’t matter if it’s one, two or three.”

Isak became the second Swedish player to https://ufabet999.app score a Premier League hat-trick, after Freddie Ljungberg for Arsenal at Sunderland in 2003.

It was also the first treble by a Newcastle player in the league since Ayoze Perez’s three against Southampton in 2019.

“I’m surprised it has taken him this long to get a hat-trick with his talent, but I’m pleased,” said Howe.

“His first hat-trick for Newcastle is a great moment and we take pride in our players playing well.