A new exclusive transfer report has given us details on the outstanding Alexander Isak replacement that Newcastle have found in the form of Swedish striker Kevin Filling, but a move looks unlikely due to the current transfer rules in England. Filling currently plays as a forward for Swedish side AIK, and has scored 2 goals in the Allsvenskan (Swedish League) in 9 appearances.
Why Newcastle won't be able to sign 17 year old Kevin Filling who's been compared to Alexander Isak
An exclusive report from the Dailymail states that Newcastle United are moving closer to setting up a multi-club model, with staff told to prepare for expansion into mainland Europe as part of a Saudi-backed network. The club is already exploring potential partner clubs, particularly in Belgium and France, and the plan could be rolled out as early as this year. Sporting director Ross Wilson and head of football strategy Jack Ross are central to driving the project, alongside representatives from PIF.
One of the main reasons behind this strategy is to overcome post-Brexit restrictions, which prevent Premier League clubs from signing foreign players under 18. Despite Newcastle’s scouts closely tracking top teenage talent across Europe, they often lose out to continental clubs who can move earlier. A recent example is AIK’s highly rated 17-year-old striker Kevin Filling, who Newcastle admire but are unlikely to sign due to age restrictions, meaning he could join a bigger European club instead. This mirrors what happened with Alexander Isak, who left AIK for Borussia Dortmund at 17, highlighting how European clubs can snap up elite young prospects before English sides are allowed to enter the race.
Filling has been compared to Alexander Isak due to his similarities with the current Liverpool striker, as Isak too had played for AIK and is Swedish as well.
Our opinion on Newcastle possibly missing out on Kevin Filling
Newcastle are currently not at a level where they can compete with the biggest clubs in Europe directly to sign players, which was evident by the number of players that rejected them in favour of other Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool in the previous summer transfer window. Thus, the smart thing for them to do is to try buying the most promising Youngsters in football early and develop them into world-class stars.
Their idea of starting the multi-club model and copying Chelsea is certainly one in the right direction for their long-term growth and dreams of becoming one one of the best sides in England. It looks likely that they'll miss out on Kevin Filling, as tons of non-English clubs are sure to be interested in him during the next Summer Transfer Window. Thus, switching to a multi-club model would mean they don't lose out on such promising players again.
As for Kevin Filling, he looks to be a really talented player, and could probably end up being one of the top strikers in the world after a few years if he reaches his expected potential.
