Record fee agreed to as Alexander Isak saga reaches conclusion

Drawn-out saga

Liverpool’s opening bid of £110M plus add-ons was rejected earlier in the window, with Newcastle insisting Isak was worth closer to £150M and unwilling to sell without a suitable replacement.

However, tensions escalated as the relationship between the player and the club broke down. Isak missed the start of the new season, trained separately from the squad and declared publicly that "the relationship can’t continue." Those comments forced Newcastle to reconsider its stance.

The Magpies ultimately relented after completing the £69M signing of Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade. The 6-foot-6 German striker scored 17 goals in 33 appearances last season and is viewed as a ready-made successor. 

With a replacement secured, Newcastle sanctioned Isak’s record-breaking departure.

Liverpool’s summer statement

The deal pushes Liverpool’s summer outlay beyond £400M ($541.3M), underlining Arne Slot’s intent to reshape the squad. 

Isak will lead the line alongside Mohamed Salah and recent signing Hugo Ekitike, giving the Reds one of Europe’s most formidable attacks in world soccer.

Isak leaves Newcastle with an impressive record of 62 goals in all competitions across three seasons since arriving from Real Sociedad in 2022. Renowned for his pace, movement and clinical finishing, he is expected to slot seamlessly into Liverpool’s evolving frontline.

A new record

The transfer rewrites the Premier League record books, placing Isak at the top of a list once dominated by midfielders. For Newcastle, losing its talisman is a major setback, but the financial windfall and ability to reinvest provide a platform for the club’s long-term ambitions.

For Liverpool, deadline day has delivered a defining addition. The Alexander Isak saga is finally over, and it ends with a record-breaking move to Anfield.