Liverpool have agreed a British-record £125 million deal to sign striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, sources have confirmed.
The Sweden international is expected to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of signing a six-year contract at Anfield, bringing an end to one of the summer’s most dramatic transfer sagas.
Isak is expected to complete his medical on Monday and sign a six-year deal, making him the focal point of Liverpool’s attack alongside fellow summer signing Hugo Ekitike.
The 25-year-old becomes a marquee signing for Arne Slot as the Reds look to defend their Premier League title and make a deep run in the Champions League.
Alexander Isak Historic Transfer Fee and Deadline Day Drama
Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak marks the largest transfer in British football history, eclipsing Chelsea’s £115m capture of Moisés Caicedo in 2023.
Newcastle sources claim the package could rise to £130m with add-ons, making it one of the most expensive transfers in world football.
The agreement was reached hours before Monday’s 7 p.m. transfer deadline, capping a month-long saga that has dominated headlines.
Isak’s Fallout with Newcastle
Alexander Isak had been pushing for a move away from St James’ Park for more than a month. The 25-year-old missed Newcastle’s preseason tour of Asia, trained alone at his former club Real Sociedad, and has not featured for Eddie Howe’s side this season.
In August, the Swedish striker released a bombshell statement, claiming that promises made by Newcastle had been “broken” and that their “relationship can’t continue.”
“Promises have been broken by the Newcastle hierarchy,” Isak said earlier this month.
“The relationship can’t continue. A move this summer is in the best interests of all parties.”
Newcastle responded by saying, “No commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.”
A Record-Breaking Summer for Liverpool
The signing of Isak is Liverpool’s second club-record deal this summer, following the arrival of German star, Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £100m plus £16m in add-ons.
Under new manager Arne Slot, the Premier League champions have embarked on a massive spending spree, also signing
- Hugo Ekitike,
- Milos Kerkez,
- Jeremie Frimpong,
- Giorgi Mamardashvili,
- Armin Pecsi, and
- Giovanni Leoni.
Liverpool’s total outlay now stands at around £416m (excluding add-ons), while departures including;
- Luis Diaz,
- Darwin Núñez,
- Trent Alexander-Arnold,
- Caoimhin Kelleher,
- Jarell Quansah,
- Tyler Morton, and
- Ben Doak
have recouped approximately £190m.
The Reds are also reportedly working on a move for England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace before the window closes.
How Alexander Isak Impacted Newcastle
Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £60m in 2022 and quickly became a talisman for the Magpies.
Last season, he scored 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions, helping Newcastle win the Carabao Cup in March scoring in the final against Liverpool and secure a fifth-place Premier League finish to qualify for the Champions League.
Despite his success, his relationship with Newcastle soured over the summer, with tensions escalating as Liverpool’s interest intensified.
Where Isak’s Fee Ranks Globally
The £125m move makes Isak the most expensive signing in Premier League history and the third-most expensive in world football based on initial fees.
Only Neymar (£200m, Barcelona to PSG) and Kylian Mbappé (£165.7m, Monaco to PSG) cost more.
This deal surpasses Philippe Coutinho’s £142m move from Liverpool to Barcelona and Ousmane Dembélé’s £135.5m switch to Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund.
Timeline of the Transfer Saga
According to @BBCSport, this is highlight Isak’s transfer saga to Liverpool;
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25 May: Isak finishes season as Newcastle’s top scorer (27 goals in 42 appearances).
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19 July: Eddie Howe says Isak will travel for preseason tour after missing friendly vs Celtic.
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23 July: Liverpool sign Hugo Ekitike for £69m.
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24 July: Isak left out of Newcastle’s preseason tour squad with “minor thigh injury.”
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31 July: Striker trains alone at Real Sociedad.
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1 August: Newcastle reject Liverpool’s £110m bid.
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4 August: Isak ordered to train away from first team.
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8 August: Howe says it’s “clear” he “can’t involve” Isak.
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19 August: Isak releases statement citing “broken promises.”
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30 August: Newcastle sign striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart.
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1 September: Liverpool agree £125m deal for Isak.
