3 weeks ago
24
Liverpool have officially confirmed the signing of Alexander Isak in a British-record £125million deal after making a late breakthrough in talks with Newcastle.
Bringing an end to the summer's most protracted transfer saga, Isak, who will wear the No 9 jersey, underwent his medical on Merseyside on deadline day before penning a six-year contract.
As reported by Daily Mail Sport, talks between both clubs accelerated on Sunday night before an agreement - and a compromise over the fee - was reached.
Sources close to Newcastle say the overall deal will be worth £130m to them, and that the sale has been sanctioned by the club's Saudi owners.
Isak has become the most expensive signing in Liverpool's history, eclipsing the £116m deal for Florian Wirtz, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in June.
Newcastle were open to exploring the frontman's departure all summer, after Isak made it clear at the end of last season that he wanted to move on.
Liverpool have officially confirmed a British-record deal for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak
Isak arrived on Merseyside to undergo his medical and sign his contract on deadline day
Arne Slot has landed his target after a protracted saga lasting much of the summer window
However, as a club statement a fortnight ago revealed, their 'conditions of sale' had not been met - those being an acceptable offer and Isak's replacements secured.
But after Nick Woltemade joined the Magpies from Stuttgart for a club-record £69m and a £55m deal was agreed for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, their stance softened.
Newcastle had hoped they could persuade Isak to stay at St James' Park but, after a senior delegation from the ownership visited his house last Monday and made a final plea, there was an acceptance that would not be possible.
Talks had been taking place in back channels all week, with the player's agent Vlado Lemic heavily involved, and late on Sunday evening, a package was agreed.
A previous bid of £110m had been rebuffed in August, despite Isak believing he would be allowed to leave in the event of a big club making a reasonable offer.
'I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,' Isak wrote on Instagram.
'That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
'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.
Isak has become Liverpool's most expensive signing, eclipsing the swoop for Florian Wirtz
Eddie Howe denied Isak's suggestion he had been told he could leave in the event of a big offer
The champions have splashed the cash as they look to defend their Premier League crown
'That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.'
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, however, denied suggestions Isak had been promised he could leave.
'Absolutely not,' Howe said. 'I never make any promises to any players regarding transfers because, ultimately, I'm not in control of the whole thing.
'I would never make a promise like that to any player.'
Isak made 109 appearances at St James' Park, scoring 62 goals.
Liverpool have splashed the cash this summer, also signing Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and promising defender Giovanni Leoni.
