Liverpool have completed the British-record signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million, ending one of the most talked-about transfer sagas of the summer.
The Swedish striker has signed a six-year contract until 2031 and will wear the iconic number 9 shirt at Anfield, becoming the most expensive player in the club’s history.
The move marks a major statement from the Premier League champions, who have spent over £450 million this summer on new recruits, including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Italian teenager Giovanni Leoni. Arne Slot’s squad now boasts a blend of youth, versatility, and world-class talent, positioning Liverpool as one of Europe’s most formidable sides this season.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak has been a long, complex process. The Reds initially offered £110 million at the start of August, which Newcastle rejected. The Magpies, who had valued Isak at £150 million, were determined to secure replacements before letting their star striker go.
After failing to sign Benjamin Sesko, who joined Manchester United, Newcastle brought in Germany Under-21 striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. The move reportedly softened Newcastle’s stance and opened the door for Isak’s sale.
Talks resumed on Sunday evening, culminating in a £125 million agreement that paved the way for Newcastle to reach a £55 million deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. This effectively replaced part of the attacking firepower lost with Isak’s departure.
Isak had made it clear he would not play again for Newcastle, adding urgency to the negotiations. His exit also reflects the increasingly complex dynamics of modern football, where player ambition, club strategy, and ownership decisions intersect in high-stakes transfers.
Speaking after completing his medical and signing the six-year deal, Isak expressed excitement at the next stage of his career.
“I feel like this is the next step for me in my career. I’m super-happy that I’ve been given this chance and I’m very motivated to do something well with it.”
The striker also spoke about the significance of wearing Liverpool’s number 9 shirt.
“It means a lot, it’s an iconic number. Obviously it comes with responsibility as well, but I’m delighted to have this chance and get this number.”
Isak flew out of Merseyside immediately after completing his medical to join his Sweden teammates ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo on September 5 and 8.
The striker reflected on his ambitions at Liverpool.
“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. I think I have a lot to give, I think I have a lot to improve. I’m a striker but I always want to give as much as possible to the team, mainly goals but much more than that as well. I want to win everything. Yeah, as simple as that.”
Newcastle, meanwhile, moved quickly to reinvest the funds from Isak’s sale. Woltemade and Wissa arrive as part of a strategy to maintain attacking strength, while ensuring the club’s long-term ambitions are safeguarded. A blunt 37-word statement from the Magpies confirmed the sale.
“Newcastle United can announce the sale of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a significant British record transfer fee.
The Sweden international joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022 and made 109 appearances in all competitions.”
The sale also underlines the growing influence of Newcastle’s owners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, who have overseen a summer of strategic investment aimed at building a squad capable of competing domestically and in Europe.
For Liverpool, the acquisition of Isak fills a long-standing gap at centre-forward. The Reds retained Joe Gomez despite late interest from AC Milan and strengthened other positions, but a world-class striker was seen as essential to challenge on all fronts.
Isak’s addition complements the arrivals of Wirtz, Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong, giving Arne Slot a squad capable of competing at the highest level across the Premier League and Europe. The Swedish striker’s movement, technical ability, and goal-scoring instincts are expected to transform Liverpool’s attacking threat.
He will be hoping to make his debut for Liverpool when they travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor on September 14th and then his home debut at Anfield on the 20th September.
Liverpool’s summer business has been nothing short of record-breaking. The signing of Alexander Isak is the final piece of a carefully constructed squad that blends youth, experience, and world-class talent.
Liverpool’s total expenditure this summer exceeds £450 million, including the add-ons, but they have recouped up to £262 million from sales.
For supporters, the transfer window drama comes to a close with one of the most eye-catching moves of the summer, and Liverpool can now look forward to a season with one of Europe’s most exciting forward lines.
