Despite snatching Hugo Ekitike for a huge transfer fee in the 2025 summer transfer window, Liverpool did not stopped searching for attacking talent to overhaul their frontline
The Reds sold Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, while Darwin Nunez has finalised a move to the Saudi Pro League. Thus, a further injection of talent was necessary up front, especially with 33-year-old Mohamed Salah potentially in his last season with the club.
Hoping to make yet another splash, Liverpool trained their sights on Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who bagged 23 goals last season in the Premier League. Isak went public with his desire to leave St James' Park, having not taken part in the club's pre-season preparations.
It meant mounting ill-feeling within the fanbase that recently adored their Carabao Cup final hero. On deadline day, Liverpool got their man.
MORE: Alexander Isak saga nears endgame as weary Newcastle draw blank at Leeds
Alexander Isak to Liverpool latest news
The Isak saga was played out in public following a statement by the striker and a defiant response from Newcastle on August 19, which seemed to created an impasse. However, in the days before the deadline, Newcastle's stance softened.
According to multiple reports, with Luke Edwards of the Daily Telegraph first on it, Isak was Liverpool-bound to sign a six-year contract with the Reds.
There was some initial confusion over the fee involved. However, the consensus is that Liverpool will pay £125 million ($169m / €144m) for Isak. Newcastle consider the transfer to be worth £130m ($175.9m / €150m), but that's because selling the player now means they will make a saving of around £5m in loyalty bonuses and other costs.
This has been a long time coming, although for a while it didn't seem as though it would happen. Isak referenced the arduous nature of the transfer when his Liverpool move was confirmed.
“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. It’s something I’m proud of and I’m really looking forward to it," he said.
“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.”
Isak has been trying to force his way out of the club for weeks. He posted on social media 10 days earlier to hit out at those who, in his words, want to "push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors".
He added: "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now — and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."
Newcastle were quick to respond. The club posted a statement saying: "We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.
"We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.
"We do not foresee those conditions being met. This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates."
The breakthrough may have been Newcastle finally splashing the cash on a replacement. It was reported on August 28 that Newcastle had struck a deal potentially worth £65 million to sign Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. If they conclude what would be a club-record signing, that could pave the way for Liverpool to bid for Isak once more.
MORE: How good of an Isak replacement is Nick Woltemade
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What did Liverpool bid for Alexander Isak?
Liverpool's first offer in early August, worth around £110 million ($148m / €127m), was knocked back swiftly by the Magpies. At the time, Luke Edwards of The Telegraph stated that Newcastle value Isak at £150m ($201.7m / €173.2m) and anything less will be brushed aside. The club was frustrated by Liverpool's first bid, believing it was an effort to tap up the player rather than a serious offer, since it was nowhere close to their valuation.
Isak was effectively been forced to train alone and kept out of Eddie Howe's matchday plans while the situation continued. He did not feature in the 0-0 draw at Aston Villa on August 16, or against his suitors Liverpool nine days later.
Prior to that match, a report by the Daily Mail suggested there may be a way forward for the two parties, as Newcastle ownership visited Isak to initiate "a step in the right direction." However, the following day, Fabrizio Romano insisted that Isak "maintains clear stance since July: he wants Liverpool move, no changes after recent talks."
The arrival of Woltemade was a sign that Newcastle are prepared to sanction a sale, although Howe insisted he wante to bring in another attacker after Isak sat out the stalemate at Leeds on August 30. That player duly arrived in the form of Yoane Wissa, who engaged in an Isak-esque stand-off to secure his exit from Brentford.
That was upped to £125 million, which was enough to get Newcastle's attention and get the deal done. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Liverpool are paying a £125 million fee to Newcastle, while the Magpies will see a £5 million solidarity payment to Isak waived. According to Ben Jacobs of GiveMeSport, there are no add-ons in the deal, which will be just the fixed payment alone.