Liverpool have completed the signing of Swedish international Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British record fee of £125 million, which could rise to £130m with add-ons.
The 25-year-old striker is expected to undergo a medical on Monday before signing a six-year deal at Anfield, sources close to the talks told BBC Sport.
Long-running saga ends
The move ends one of the most closely followed transfer sagas of the summer. Liverpool’s initial £110m bid was rejected in August, but the club remained determined to land their main target.
Tensions between Isak and Newcastle intensified after he was left out of the squad for their first three Premier League fixtures, including a 3-2 defeat to Liverpool at St James’ Park.
Matters came to a head last month when Isak issued a rare public statement claiming promises had been “broken” by Newcastle management and that “the relationship can’t continue.” Newcastle swiftly denied the claims, insisting that “no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave.”
Record-breaking deal
When finalised, the transfer will surpass the previous British record held by Enzo Fernández, who moved from Benfica to Chelsea for £107m in 2023.
On the global stage, Isak’s move will rank as the third-most expensive transfer of all time, behind only Neymar’s £200m switch to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 and Kylian Mbappé’s £165.7m move to PSG in 2018.
The deal also eclipses the fees paid for Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembélé, signalling Liverpool’s serious intent to compete for major honours.
Liverpool’s ambitious summer
Isak’s arrival is the highlight of an unprecedented summer of spending at Anfield. Earlier this window, the club shattered its transfer record with the £100m capture of German midfielder Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.
Liverpool have also strengthened key positions, signing Dutch wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, and French striker Hugo Ekitike.
In total, the club has committed around £416m this summer, excluding potential add-ons—by far their biggest investment in a single window.
A statement of intent
The signing of Isak is widely seen as more than just a squad addition. It marks a statement of ambition from Liverpool’s owners and management, who appear determined to return the club to the summit of both English and European football.
Isak, who scored 21 goals in all competitions for Newcastle last season, now faces the challenge of leading Liverpool’s attack as they aim to re-establish themselves as title contenders.
Fans will be eager to see him in red as he joins an increasingly youthful and dynamic squad, signalling what many see as the beginning of a new era at Anfield.
