3 weeks ago
9
Newcastle United have finally agreed to let Alexander Isak join Liverpool after failing to negotiate a new contract with the striker.
The Reds are set to end this summer's most high-profile transfer saga, having agreed a record-breaking British transfer fee of £125 million ($169M) for Isak in the early hours of deadline day.
Liverpool had turned down an initial offer of £110M ($149M) in early August for the 25-year-old Swedish international. Since then, Isak has gone on strike and publicly accused Newcastle of breaking promises to him.
Despite Newcastle's best efforts to keep him, it seems that Isak will now get his wish. Throughout the summer, Newcastle’s public stance had been that Isak was not for sale, and they would not let their star player go for less than £150M ($203M).
However, Isak is now scheduled for a medical with Liverpool on Monday, with the deal being worth £130M ($176M) to Newcastle due to solidarity payments. He will sign a six-year contract on Merseyside, obliterating the record Premier League fee ($157M) Liverpool splurged on Florian Wirtz earlier in the window.
It has come to light that Newcastle finally changed their stance on Isak last Monday. The shift came after a delegation, led by minority owner Jamie Reuben and members of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, visited the player at his home for crucial talks ahead of Newcastle's 3-2 home defeat by Liverpool.
The Telegraph reports that attempts were made to convince Isak to stay for an additional season. However, Isak refused to commit to the club for another year in reward for a new contract, which reportedly would have included a release clause that would allow him to leave for a set price in 12 months' time.
A new contract would also have meant that, even if Newcastle managed to retain him this summer, the Swede might agitate for a transfer in the January window, causing further disruption to their season. And with Isak making it clear he no longer wanted to play for the club, the Newcastle hierarchy realized they had no choice but to sell him.
The signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart on Saturday is thought to have alleviated some pressure on the club regarding Isak's departure. But the Magpies have been pursuing the signings of two strikers this summer, having lost Isak to self-imposed exile and Callum Wilson on a free transfer to West Ham.
They are still looking to bring in a second forward, having so far unsuccessfully tried to prise Yoane Wissa away from Brentford and had bids rejected by Wolves for Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have spent over £300M ($406M) this summer on Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Armin Pesci and Freddie Woodman, but always had additional funds set aside for Isak.
English (US) ·