Liverpool have completed the most expensive transfer in British football history, signing Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million ($170m) on deadline day.

Record-breaking deal

The 25-year-old becomes Liverpool’s marquee signing of the summer, surpassing the club’s previous British record of £116m for Florian Wirtz in July, and eclipsing Chelsea’s £115m deal for Moises Caicedo in 2023. Globally, Isak is now the fourth most expensive player of all time, behind Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Philippe Coutinho.

Isak’s statement

Isak, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season, had missed Newcastle’s opening three matches while pushing for the move.

“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,” Isak said after the deal was confirmed. “I’m proud and looking forward to meeting my teammates, the fans, and getting back to work.”

Transfer saga

The move followed weeks of tension, with Isak training separately after publicly accusing Newcastle of breaking promises and saying “trust is lost.” Newcastle initially resisted, rejecting Liverpool’s £110m opening bid before accepting the record offer late on deadline day.

Newcastle’s response

The Saudi-backed club confirmed Isak’s departure in a brief statement and have moved quickly to reinforce their attack, signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa from Brentford.

Liverpool’s summer overhaul

Isak joins as part of a £570m squad rebuild under new manager Arne Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp. Alongside Wirtz, Liverpool have also added Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez, while offloading Luis Diaz, Darwin Núñez, and Jarell Quansah to balance the books.

Fresh from winning their record-equalling 20th league title, Liverpool’s latest move signals their intent to dominate both domestically and in Europe this season.

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