Alexander Isak's £125M Liverpool Move: Did Newcastle Make the Right Call?

The Transfer Saga That Shocked English Football

When Alexander Isak finally put pen to paper on a six-year Liverpool contract on September 1, 2025, it marked the end of one of the most controversial transfer sagas in Premier League history. The Swedish striker became British football's most expensive player ever at £125 million, eclipsing all previous records. But the journey to Anfield was far from smooth. Isak had been training separately from Newcastle's first team since late July, publicly stating that his relationship with the club couldn't continue after they allegedly reneged on transfer promises. Newcastle fans didn't take kindly to his actions, with videos emerging of supporters calling him a rat and greedy as he arrived at the training ground. The 39-day standoff tested everyone's patience, but Liverpool remained determined to land their top target despite already signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for £69 million earlier in the summer.

The timing proved crucial as Newcastle finally sanctioned the deal after securing their own replacement. The Magpies broke their transfer record by signing Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart for approximately £69 million on August 30, just one day before Isak's departure was confirmed. This domino effect was exactly what Liverpool had been waiting for, as Newcastle had consistently maintained they wouldn't sell without adequate replacement options. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move with his signature phrase, signaling the deal was done. For Isak, it represented the culmination of months of desire to join one of Europe's elite clubs, even if it meant burning bridges at St. James' Park.

The Luis Diaz Factor: Opening the Door

Liverpool's pursuit of Isak became significantly easier after Bayern Munich finally got their man in Luis Diaz. The Colombian winger had been Bayern's primary target all summer, and after weeks of negotiations, a deal worth up to €75 million was agreed in late July 2025. This sale proved pivotal for Liverpool's financial planning. German football insider Christian Falk reported that Bayern were confident of completing the deal, with Liverpool eventually accepting an offer slightly below their initial €80 million asking price. Diaz himself was eager to move to the Bundesliga champions, having turned down a lucrative €90 million offer from the Saudi Pro League. His departure freed up both wages and transfer funds that Liverpool could reinvest.

The mathematics were simple but effective. Selling Diaz for approximately £65 million and receiving solidarity payments from other deals meant Liverpool had substantial resources to fund both Ekitike and Isak acquisitions. Reports suggested Liverpool were prepared to submit a record £130 million bid for Isak once Newcastle's replacement striker situation was resolved. Bayern's persistence in landing Diaz, who scored 17 goals and provided eight assists in his final Liverpool season, ultimately catalyzed the entire transfer chain. Interestingly, Paris Saint-Germain also benefited from this domino effect, pocketing around €17 million from a sell-on clause attached to Ekitike's transfer from Frankfurt to Liverpool. The interconnected nature of modern football transfers meant that one deal unlocked several others across Europe's top leagues.

Slow Start at Anfield: Fitness Concerns Mount

Now in early October 2025, Isak's Liverpool career hasn't quite ignited as fans hoped. Having missed the entire pre-season and the opening three Premier League matches, the 26-year-old is still building match fitness. His debut came against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on September 15, where he lasted 58 minutes in a dramatic 3-2 victory. The statistics from that first appearance were underwhelming: just 25 touches, two shots with only one on target, and minimal impact as Liverpool raced to a 2-0 lead without his involvement. Vice-captain Andy Robertson praised Isak's effort despite the obvious rust, noting he hadn't had a proper pre-season. Manager Arne Slot has been carefully managing his minutes, with Isak making six appearances but only three starts.

Sweden national team coach Jon Dahl Tomasson provided some context for the sluggish start, explaining that both he and Slot have been in constant communication about Isak's fitness management. During the September international break, Isak played just 18 minutes as a substitute, with both coaches agreeing not to risk his still-developing conditioning. Tomasson revealed that Isak could use the October international fixtures as an extended pre-season of sorts, though he admitted the striker isn't yet ready for full 90-minute performances. Liverpool fans are growing impatient, especially considering Hugo Ekitike's impressive form since arriving from Frankfurt. The Frenchman has seamlessly adapted to the Premier League's intensity, creating an unexpected selection dilemma for Slot. Former Newcastle midfielder Jeff Hendrick suggested the prolonged transfer saga was deliberately drawn out, possibly to allow Newcastle time to secure their replacement, which inevitably impacted Isak's preparation time.

Newcastle's Revenge: Woltemade Outshines His Predecessor

Perhaps the most surprising twist in this saga is Nick Woltemade's immediate impact at Newcastle. The 23-year-old German striker scored on his debut against Wolves and already has four Premier League goals, remarkably surpassing Isak's tally at Liverpool this season. Newcastle fans have embraced their new number nine with open arms, singing his name at St. James' Park and giving him standing ovations. The contrast couldn't be starker: while Isak struggles for fitness and form on Merseyside, Woltemade is thriving in the northeast. His celebration after scoring against Nottingham Forest, slotting home a perfect penalty, showcased growing confidence. Eddie Howe's management of Woltemade has been careful though, with the striker himself admitting he battled cramps in his early appearances as he adjusted from the Bundesliga's tempo to the Premier League's intensity.

Community reactions on platforms like Naver Sports, Daum, and Korean football forums have been fascinating to observe. Many Korean fans questioned whether Liverpool made a wise investment given they already had Ekitike, with some suggesting the £125 million could have been better spent strengthening other positions. Newcastle supporters, initially devastated by Isak's departure and the manner of his exit, are now experiencing schadenfreude as their replacement outperforms the departed star. On DCInside and EPL Korea communities, debates rage about whether Isak's controversial exit will define his legacy more than his goals. Meanwhile, Liverpool fans remain patient but expectant, knowing that world-class strikers often need time to adapt. The cultural context is important too: in Korean football coverage, loyalty and professionalism are highly valued, making Isak's public standoff with Newcastle particularly controversial in East Asian fan communities. Whether this transfer ultimately succeeds depends on Isak rediscovering the form that saw him score 27 goals last season for Newcastle, but right now, the Magpies appear to have won this particular battle.