Liverpool have agreed a British transfer record fee of £125m to sign Sweden striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United, in what is set to be one of the most dramatic deals of the 2025 summer transfer window. The 25-year-old is expected to undergo a medical before finalising a six-year contract at Anfield.
The move ends weeks of speculation and represents a major statement of intent from Liverpool as they continue their aggressive squad rebuild under new management.
A Record Fee for Isak
Liverpool’s initial £110m bid for Isak was rejected in early August, but the club returned with an improved offer that Newcastle have now accepted. With add-ons, the deal could reach as high as £130m, sources close to both clubs have confirmed.
The fee comfortably surpasses the £107m Chelsea paid for Enzo Fernandez in 2023 and would become the most expensive transfer in British football history. Globally, it ranks just behind the landmark deals for Neymar (£200m) and Kylian Mbappe (£165.7m) at Paris Saint-Germain.
Why Liverpool Wanted Isak
Isak scored 27 goals in 42 appearances last season for Newcastle, underlining his status as one of Europe’s most clinical forwards. His performances helped the Magpies win the Carabao Cup in March, defeating Liverpool in the final, before securing a fifth-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification.
Liverpool view him as the long-term successor to Darwin Núñez, who left Anfield earlier this summer in a £70m move. With Isak’s ability to stretch defences, link up play, and finish with precision, the Reds believe they have landed their number one target to lead the line.
Newcastle’s Perspective
For Newcastle, the deal marks the end of a tense standoff. Isak was omitted from the club’s pre-season tour of Asia with what was described as a “minor thigh injury.” However, behind the scenes, the Swedish international had made clear his desire to leave.
He later trained alone at Real Sociedad, his former club, while publicly stating that promises had been “broken” and that his relationship with Newcastle “can’t continue.” The club responded by denying that any assurances had been given about a future transfer.
Despite that, the Magpies began preparing for life without him, completing the £65m signing of German striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart last week.
Liverpool’s Summer Spending Spree
The signing of Isak caps a huge summer of investment from Liverpool. The club had already shattered their transfer record by securing German playmaker Florian Wirtz for £100m plus £16m in potential add-ons.
Other arrivals include Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi, and Giovanni Leoni. With Isak’s fee included, the Reds’ total spending this window rises to about £416m before add-ons.
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Meanwhile, player sales — including Luis Diaz, Darwin Núñez, Jarell Quansah, Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tyler Morton, and Ben Doak — have recouped approximately £190m.
Liverpool are also exploring a deal for England defender Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, underlining their ambition to challenge on all fronts.
Isak’s Transfer Saga: A Timeline
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May 25: Isak ends season as Newcastle’s top scorer with 27 goals.
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July 19: Eddie Howe insists he will travel for pre-season, despite injury doubts.
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July 24: Isak left out of the Far East tour; begins training alone.
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August 1: Newcastle reject Liverpool’s opening £110m offer.
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August 8: Howe admits he “can’t involve” Isak in the squad.
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August 19: Isak issues statement accusing Newcastle of broken promises.
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August 30: Newcastle announce signing of Nick Woltemade.
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September 1: Liverpool agree £125m fee for Isak.
Where the Deal Ranks in Football History
The £125m fee for Isak eclipses other major Premier League transfers such as Jack Grealish (£100m to Manchester City), Declan Rice (£105m to Arsenal), and Moisés Caicedo (£115m to Chelsea).
Globally, the move sits just below Neymar’s £200m transfer from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 and Mbappe’s £165.7m switch the same summer. It also ranks higher than the £142m Barcelona paid Liverpool for Philippe Coutinho.
What’s Next for Liverpool and Isak
Isak is scheduled to undergo a medical on Monday before putting pen to paper on his contract. Once finalised, he will become the headline arrival of Liverpool’s transfer window and is expected to debut later this month.
The move signals Liverpool’s determination to return to the top of English and European football, while also highlighting the financial muscle of Premier League clubs. For Isak, it represents the biggest opportunity of his career — a chance to lead the line at Anfield and become the focal point of a new era.
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