3 weeks ago
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Alexander Isak is set to ink a six-year contract once his move to Liverpool is finalized, following Newcastle's reluctant acceptance of an offer from the Reds - thus bringing an end to the summer-long saga.
Isak had expressed his desire to depart St James' Park weeks ago, and with time ticking away for him to secure his exit, the Premier League champions have now stepped in late in the window with their second bid grudgingly accepted, worth $169M (£125m).
Their initial offer of $149M (£110m) was rebuffed, but the Magpies made it clear they would not entertain anything less than a British-record fee for his departure. Liverpool had already splashed out a record $157m (£116m) to bring Florian Wirtz on board this summer, but have once again dug deep into their pockets.
The club's faith and investment in Isak are underscored by the duration of the contract they plan to offer the Swede, who at 25, still has his prime years ahead of him. He is now set to spearhead the attack at Anfield for the foreseeable future.
The timing of Isak's acquisition is particularly apt given the age profile of Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian continues to be prolific and has consistently topped the team's goalscoring charts since his arrival.
Despite recently signing a new deal, he turned 33 this summer. Arne Slot will have shelled out an astonishing $563M (£416m), before add-ons, this summer.
A fee of $107M (£79m) was spent on Hugo Ekitike, with the Frenchman making the switch from Frankfurt and quickly acclimatising to life at Anfield.
He found the back of the net in his first three matches, but may now have to make way for Isak's introduction.
Liverpool has witnessed considerable changes in their attacking department. Isak is now anticipated to join Ekitike at Anfield whilst Wirtz also brings additional creativity.
Nevertheless, Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz have both departed for new challenges whilst there was also the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
Isak has been forced to fight vigorously to secure his departure from Newcastle and, despite his displeasure being particularly apparent, the club have stated that "no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer" despite the player alleging broken promises.
The Swede's forthcoming departure has been cushioned by Newcastle successfully acquiring Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart last week for a club-record sum.
Eddie Howe would still prefer an additional striker to arrive after the club failed to land several of their primary targets.
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