2 weeks ago
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€145m deal completed
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The biggest deal of the summer has crossed the line. Alexander Isak has joined Liverpool from Newcastle United. Transfermarkt understands that both sides have agreed on a £125 million (€145m) transfer. Although Newcastle may portray this as a deal worth £130m (€150m), sources are adamant that it is due to the Magpies saving costs rather than what Liverpool are actually paying. It is a Premier League record transfer, which will break the record set by Liverpool earlier this summer when they signed Florian Wirtz in a deal worth €125m plus €15m in easy-to-reach add-ons.
“It’s been a long journey to get here," Isak said in a club statement. "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.” Liverpool have made a significant offer for Isak earlier this window. But that offer was turned down with such vehemence that the Reds initially didn’t plan to make a second offer this summer. Newcastle, at that point, were adamant that they wanted to keep the 25-year-old Swedish striker. Part of it was the Magpies' struggles to find a suitable replacement. Newcastle were outbid by Liverpool in their attempt to sign Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt and then Benjamin Sesko from Leipzig.
Finally, this weekend, Newcastle were able to sign a suitable replacement for Isak in the form of German star striker Nick Woltemade. Woltemade was heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich. The German giants failed to meet Stuttgart’s evaluation, opening the door for Woltemade to join Newcastle in a deal worth €85m plus €5m in add-ons. With the Woltemade deal across the line, Newcastle were willing to allow Isak to move on.
Alexander Isak deal – Liverpool spending nears €500m
The Isak deal completes what has been an extraordinary transfer window for Liverpool. The team managed by Arne Slot have already spent close to €340m on new players this summer. The Isak deal will now bring the spending close to €500m. No club has spent more on new players this summer. In terms of transfer balance, Liverpool’s net expenditure of €260m ranks second only to Arsenal (€285m). Liverpool have earned €219.5 m from player sales this summer, moving on, among others, Luis Díaz for €70m to Bayern Munich, allowing Slot to restructure his team after winning the Premier League title last season.
Signing Isak is now the final puzzle piece for a team that wants to continue its Premier League dominance. The Swedish striker is one of the most unique forwards in the game today. Although very tall, Isak has incredible speed and force, and can move like a much smaller player. Signed for €70m from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has become a world-class striker under Eddie Howe, scoring 54 goals and providing ten assists in 86 Premier League games. Although a massive success in Newcastle, Isak wanted a new challenge this summer and has been absent from the club with a mysterious injury, one that is likely to resolve itself quickly now that Liverpool have reached an agreement to sign him.
