Liverpool took their summer spending to just shy of £450million with the British record £125m arrival of Alexander Isak on Monday night.
Isak, set to don the No 9 jersey at Anfield, expressed his excitement by saying: ‘It’s been quite a journey to arrive here. But I’m thrilled to join this team, this club, and everything it represents. I take great pride in this and am eagerly anticipating what’s ahead.’
While Liverpool welcomed Isak with a pre-planned video and a statement packed with excitement, Newcastle confirmed his exit in just 37 words.
The announcement solely highlighted his playtime and transfer fee, omitting any acknowledgments, tributes, or references to his impactful Carabao Cup final performance. It stated: ‘Newcastle United confirms the departure of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a substantial British record transfer sum. The Swedish international signed with the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022, amassing 109 appearances across all tournaments.’
Isak touched down in Merseyside on Monday morning, undergoing a two-part medical examination, followed by a photo session at the AXA Training Centre, before leaving mid-afternoon to catch a 6.30pm flight to Stockholm to meet his national teammates.
He signed a six-year contract, breaking the previous British transfer record set by Chelsea for Moises Caicedo two years prior, and surpassing Liverpool’s earlier record signing of £116 million for Florian Wirtz earlier this year.
Liverpool have officially confirmed a British-record deal for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
The Swedish striker will inherit the No 9 jersey formerly worn by Darwin Nunez who left the club this summer
Arne Slot has landed his target after a protracted saga lasting much of the summer window
Sweden striker Isak established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading attackers during his three seasons at St James’ Park.
Since joining from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, he netted 62 goals in 109 matches for Newcastle. His tally includes 54 goals in 86 Premier League games, with 23 last season, placing him second to Mohamed Salah for the Golden Boot.
Commenting on the transfer, he remarked: ‘I believe I have much to offer and plenty of room for improvement. As a striker, I aim to contribute significantly to the team, primarily with goals but beyond that too. I aspire to win everything.’
Newcastle wasted little time reinvesting the Isak money, having already smashed their own transfer record to sign Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade for up to £69m last week.
The 6ft 6in Germany international, nicknamed ‘Woltemessi’ by Manuel Neuer because of his surprising technical ability, scored 17 goals in 33 games for Stuttgart last season and finished as top scorer at the Under-21 European Championship.
The 23-year-old has signed a six-year contract at St James’ Park and is viewed as a long-term replacement in attack.
Then came a £55m deal for Yoane Wissa, who had been pushing for a move after scoring 19 non-penalty goals in the Premier League last season.
The 28-year-old DR Congo forward, who turns 29 this week, will add proven top-flight pedigree to a frontline suddenly missing its talisman.
Isak arrived on Merseyside to undergo his medical and sign his contract on deadline day
Sweden striker Isak established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading attackers during his three seasons at St James’ Park
Having arrived from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, he scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle
Wissa had publicly urged Brentford to ‘keep their word’ and allow him to leave, with the Bees eventually accepting Newcastle’s offer on deadline day.
The Magpies were also linked with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, but with little time for a replacement at Molineux, that move fell through.
For Liverpool, many have hailed this transfer window as one of the best in history, with Arne Slot’s side splashing a whopping £446m. Other arrivals include Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giovanni Leoni and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
They have also raised significant funds in outgoings with Harvey Elliott leaving the club on deadline day for Aston Villa. He was given the green light to complete a medical and the teams agreed on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy for £35m, with a buy-back clause.
But defender Joe Gomez was not permitted to leave despite holding talks with AC Milan. Brighton and Crystal Palace also considered signing the Reds’ longest-serving player but no move materialised.
The will-he-won’t-he saga involving Guehi went right down to the wire. An agreement came in mid-afternoon on Monday, with the England international given permission to undergo a medical.
But after crunch talks between Glasner and chairman Parish, Guehi was told to stay at Selhurst Park. Liverpool submitted a deal sheet on time, giving them an extra two hours to complete the deal, but Palace pulled the plug due to Glasner’s grievances.
Sources say that Liverpool remain strong admirers of Guehi and remain open to signing him in the future, whether in January for a cut-price fee or next summer, when he is expected to be a free agent.
