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The long-running transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak has finally concluded, with Liverpool confirming the signing of the Newcastle United forward for a British record fee of £125 million (€144.5m/$169.3m).

WHAT HAPPENED?

Isak has committed to a six-year contract at Anfield, bringing to an end months of speculation about his next move. The 25-year-old Swedish striker had been Liverpool’s top target throughout the summer, but Newcastle initially turned down a £110m offer, maintaining that their leading scorer was not available for sale. However, tensions escalated when Isak expressed his desire to leave, choosing to train alone at his former club Real Sociedad and missing Newcastle’s opening three Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa, Liverpool and Leeds United. The striker also shared a post on Instagram accusing Newcastle of making “broken” promises, to which the club responded by stating that “no commitment has ever been made” to allow the Sweden international to depart.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

After Newcastle secured Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for £69m, their stance on Isak shifted. Both clubs re-entered negotiations and eventually agreed on a record-breaking deal that now stands as the most expensive transfer in British football history. The fee surpasses Chelsea’s £107m signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January 2023, as reported by the BBC.

WHAT ISAK SAID

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website after completing his move to Merseyside, Isak, who will wear the No.9 shirt, said: “I feel amazing. It’s been a long journey to get here. But I’m super-happy to be a part of this team, this club and everything it stands for. It’s something I’m proud of and I’m really looking forward to it. I’m just happy it’s done and that I can get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and the fans, and getting back out there.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Isak began his professional career with Swedish side AIK before moving to Borussia Dortmund in 2016. He found limited opportunities in Germany and was loaned to Eredivisie club Willem II for the 2018-19 season. In 2019, he joined Real Sociedad, where he enjoyed four productive seasons in La Liga, scoring 44 goals in 132 appearances and winning the Copa del Rey title during the 2019-20 campaign. In 2022, Newcastle signed him for £63m, and he went on to score 62 goals in 109 games, including the decisive strike in their 2-1 Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool in March — Newcastle’s first major trophy since 1955.

WHAT NEXT FOR ISAK, LIVERPOOL AND NEWCASTLE?

Isak is expected to make his Liverpool debut against Burnley on September 14, right after the international break. Under manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have started the 2025-26 Premier League campaign strongly, with three consecutive wins against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Arsenal. Meanwhile, Newcastle will aim to secure their first league victory of the season when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers at home on September 13.

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