3 weeks ago
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Newcastle bosses are delighted with the £130 million ($176 million) windfall they've secured from Alexander Isak's departure - following the striker's refusal to represent the Magpies again.
Headlines this morning suggested Isak's transfer fee stood at £125 million ($169.2 million), but Newcastle sources have confirmed the actual figure exceeds this amount, with the club successfully holding firm for an additional £20 million ($27.1 million) beyond last month's opening proposal - a sum considered justified for a player who effectively went on strike two months prior.
Approximately 10 days ago, strong speculation emerged that Isak had already begun searching for property on Merseyside, while the Sweden international's overnight presence in Liverpool showed his confidence that the transfer would materialize.
Newcastle fielded its initial approach for Isak on August 1, with Newcastle hierarchy promptly dismissing the proposal after considering the bid inadequate at St. James' Park.
Liverpool indicated it wouldn't submit another offer that day, while Newcastle declared its intention to maintain its position when insisting upon an improved proposal.
Sources suggest the transaction has been viewed as "very strong business" within Newcastle, with the proceeds set to be reinvested into the squad, and Isak will not pocket any loyalty payments for his three-year stint at the club following negotiations to eliminate additional compensation to the player from Newcastle.
The Magpies were never going to back down and renegotiate the deal at £110 million ($148.7 million).
Liverpool correspondents have been informed that the deal was for £125 million, but Chronicle Live has confirmed that the fee will be £130 million.
Newcastle chiefs now believe that Liverpool conceded first on Sunday, accepting the offer of £130 million as a good deal for the Magpies. This fee sets a new British transfer record.
Despite initial hesitation from the coaching staff, Newcastle pushed the deal through. Manager Eddie Howe had hoped that Isak could be persuaded to stay at one point.
However, over two weeks ago, Howe decided that Isak's negative attitude meant the situation was beyond repair from a coaching perspective.
Club bosses felt that leaving Isak to train alone was not the right decision, especially as the Swedish FA had already scheduled the striker's media duties for next week. This would have created a major drama if he had still been with Newcastle.
The consensus was that the Isak saga should not overshadow the club's start to the new season, particularly as Newcastle are yet to secure a win.
Isak made it clear to senior players in the dressing room that he was keen on a lucrative move to Liverpool, where he's now set to nearly double his Newcastle wages with a six-year deal.
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