Borussia Dortmund have added yet another teenage sensation to their ranks in the shape of Swedish striker Alexander Isak. Here’s a closer look at a player billed as one of the hottest prospects in Europe.1. Following in the footsteps of a legend
Born in the Swedish city of Solna to Eritrean parents, Isak has quickly made a name for himself in his home country. His goalscoring exploits have earned him the nickname the ‘new Ibrahimovic.’ However, the 17-year-old is two years younger than Zlatan was when he made his first big move abroad to Ajax.
“Isak is rewriting history and I am not surprised,” said Janne Anderson, coach of the Swedish national side. “I knew that he would do well. He is calm and incredibly stable.”
2. Hit the ground running
Isak made his debut for his hometown club AIK in the Swedish top flight aged 16. He promptly scored on his debut and ended the season with 10 goals from 24 appearances as AIK finished runners-up in the Allsvenskanliga.
3. Burst onto the international scene
At 17 years and 113 days, Isak became the youngest-ever player to score for Sweden when he found the net against Slovakia on January 12, breaking a 104-year-old record in the process. He had only made his first full international appearance a few days previously, the second-youngest-ever debutant for the national team.
4. In great demand
Dortmund pulled of something of a coup if rumors are to be believed. Isak was reportedly being chased by a host of top clubs. Spanish giants Real Madrid were believed to have been on the verge of securing his signature, before a last-minute change of heart saw him opt for Germany and the Bundesliga.
5. Logical next step
Although he is joining a club that already boasts one of the best strikers in world football in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the youngster could reasonably expect to get a fair amount of playing time in Dortmund. The club is becoming renowned for giving young players a chance with the likes of Christian Pulisic, Julian Weigl and Raphael Guerreiro already established first-team players. And after all, his predecessor up front, Adrian Ramos, also got his fair share of match action alongside and ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Head to the transfer ticker for news of another important signing for Dortmund
