Liverpool have completed the signing of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak in a British-record £125m deal, eclipsing the £115m Chelsea paid Brighton for Moisés Caicedo in 2023.
The Sweden international has agreed a six-year contract and will wear the No.9 shirt at Anfield.
The move ends one of the longest-running transfer sagas of the summer, with Newcastle confirming Isak’s departure in a terse 37-word statement that neither thanked the striker nor referenced his achievements at the club.
“It’s been a long journey to get here,” Isak said. “I’m super happy to be part of this team, this club and everything it stands for. I think I have a lot to give and improve, and I want to win everything.”
Liverpool finally land top target
Liverpool’s initial £110m bid plus add-ons was rejected at the start of August, with Newcastle insisting the forward was not for sale unless their valuation of £150m was met.
But after weeks of tension — during which Isak missed matches, trained separately, and declared “the relationship can’t continue” — Newcastle softened their stance, opening the door to a record-breaking agreement.
Newcastle’s perspective
Sky Sports’ Keith Downie noted the blunt nature of Newcastle’s statement reflected frustration with Isak’s conduct. Despite his role in ending the club’s 70-year trophy drought with the winning goal in last season’s Carabao Cup final, his refusal to play and public criticism of the club left relations strained.
Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £63m in 2022, scoring 62 goals in 109 appearances. He netted 23 Premier League goals last season and was adored by fans, but his final weeks on Tyneside proved bitter.
Replacements lined up
To offset his departure, Newcastle have signed Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa for a combined £119m.
Liverpool’s record summer
Isak’s arrival takes Liverpool’s summer spending to £446m, with £228m recouped in sales for a net outlay of £218m. He becomes their fourth major attacking reinforcement as Arne Slot rebuilds the squad for a Premier League title push and Champions League return.