Swedish striker Alexander Isak, whose Eritrean heritage has shaped his identity, is reportedly eyeing a summer move to Barcelona following a stellar Premier League campaign with Newcastle United .
Sources indicate the 25-year-old forward seeks to join the Spanish giants as they hunt a long-term successor to veteran Robert Lewandowski, though financial hurdles loom for the cash-strapped Catalan club .
Isak, born in Sweden to parents who fled Eritrea’s civil war in the 1980s, has netted 17 goals and provided five assists in 22 league matches this season, cementing his status as one of Europe’s most lethal attackers .
His performances have drawn comparisons to Zlatan Ibrahimović, with Newcastle fans recently celebrating his contributions by waving Eritrean flags at matches .
Barcelona’s pursuit faces complications, however, as Newcastle demands between €100 million and €150 million for their record £63 million (€70 million) signing .
The Spanish club, constrained by financial fair play rules, may need creative financing—such as installment payments or player swaps—to secure the deal .
Isak’s rise from AIK Solna’s youth academy to global prominence underscores a journey rooted in resilience.
His parents’ asylum-seeking journey to Sweden and his early mentorship under Eritrean-descended coach Nahom Ghidey at AIK shaped his trajectory.
