Alexander Isak joins Liverpool after leaving Newcastle in a record transfer. A new No. 9 era begins at Anfield. (Image Credit: Sky Sports)
Liverpool have formally signed Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a reported £125 million in a new British transfer record. The 25-year-old forward has signed for the Reds on a long-term contract after a summer transfer saga that engulfed the summer window. Isak joins Liverpool in a big statement for the club's summer rebuild following their second Premier League title in Arne Slot's tenure.
Liverpool first had a £110 million offer turned down by Newcastle before the transfer was eventually completed on deadline day. The transfer comes after Newcastle has recently signed players such as Stuttgart midfielder Nick Woltemade, and Yoane Wissa is also set to join the Magpies. Isak had previously indicated his intentions to leave, not playing for Newcastle from mid-July and making a public statement stating the club had gone back on their word. Newcastle later relented, decreasing their demand from an original £150 million.
Isak has netted 54 Premier League goals in three seasons since he joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in August 2022, ranking only behind Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah during the same timeframe. He scored 23 goals last season, equaling Alan Shearer's Newcastle record in the 2001-02 season. Isak also has a high shot conversion rate of 23.68%, putting him among the Premier League's most effective forwards. His contribution earned Newcastle their first top-flight trophy since 1954-55, the EFL Cup, as they defeated Liverpool in the final.
Isak's signing takes Liverpool's summer outlay above £400 million, after they paid Bayer Leverkusen a reported £100 million plus add-ons for Florian Wirtz. The Reds have further bolstered their ranks with Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Giovanni Leoni, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Armin Pecsi. Liverpool failed, however, to bring Chelsea's Marc Guehi to Anfield. These transfers are indicative of Arne Slot's desire to continue Liverpool's Premier League superiority and bring depth in all positions.
At Anfield, Isak will take over the number nine shirt from Darwin Nunez "It's been a long journey to get here. But I'm super-happy to be a part of this team, this club, and everything it stands for. I want to win everything, it's as simple as that” In an interview with Liverpool's media outlets, Isak said
Liverpool supporters will be hoping the Swedish striker can slot in easily for Nunez and build on the attacking drive that helped them win the league title last season.
Isak's arrival bolsters Liverpool's attack further, providing a clinical finisher with proven Premier League form. His combination with Mohamed Salah and recently signed Florian Wirtz is poised to make the Reds one of Europe's most feared attacking forces. As the Premier League title battle intensifies, Liverpool have sent out a message that they are committed to maintaining domestic supremacy while pushing for success on the continental front.
