Liverpool and Newcastle have reached an agreement over the transfer of Alexander Isak to the Premier League champions – but both club’s are highlighting a different final transfer fee for the Premier League’s biggest-ever deal
Alexander Isak has finally joined Liverpool from Newcastle United, a record-breaking transfer finally announced at 930pm on deadline day. By that point, the PR battle was already well underway.
The Swedish hitman has been at the centre of the summer’s biggest transfer saga. The Reds have been keen on the Sweden international all summer, but saw an initial £110million bid rejected at the start of August. Isak has gone on strike and publicly accused Newcastle of breaking promises of a transfer. Last week a summit meeting was held between Isak, his representatives, Toon co-owner Jamie Reuben and member’s of the Saudi PIF – Newcastle’s principal owners – with the player reiterating his stance that he had no intention of playing for the club again.
Newcastle had been insistent that Isak is not for sale at any price this summer, with Eddie Howe suggesting he could still be reintegrated into the team. That meeting made it clear that reintegration simply wouldn’t happen and selling was the only option. Newcastle duly pushed through the £70m signing of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart on Saturday and now, Isak finally gets his way.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Liverpool agree £125m Isak deal, Arsenal and Man Utd latest on Deadline DayREAD MORE: Alexander Isak to Liverpool: Contract details emerge after bombshell £125m transfer agreement
The 25-year-old has signed a six-year contract on Merseyside and become the most expensive player in Premier League history. He will wear Liverpool’s No.9 shirt.
Speaking of his move, he said: “I feel amazing. It’s been a long journey to get here. But I’m super-happy to be a part of this team, this club and everything it stands for. It’s something I’m proud of and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m just happy it’s done and that I can get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and the fans, and getting back out there. I think I have a lot to give, I think I have a lot to improve. I’m a striker but I always want to give as much as possible to the team, mainly goals but much more than that as well. I want to win everything.”
But before he did so, mixed messages were being sent over what exactly is being paid. It may well have been confusing to football fans keeping tabs on the situation.
Reporters close to Liverpool announced that the deal was worth £125m, straight down the line. Sources close to Newcastle are insisting the deal is worth £130m. Even as the move was announced – both club’s going with the old ‘undisclosed fee’ for what it’s worth – the difference remained.
So what’s the truth?
Well, as you’d expect, it’s somewhere straight down the middle.
From Liverpool’s perspective, they’re paying £125m in a fixed fee. He becomes their most-expensive signing ever, usurping Florian Wirtz after an agreement was reached late on Sunday evening. Reds chiefs were toasting what they see as a transfer triumph in Liverpool on Sunday night.
Newcastle, who earlier in the summer had made clear they wanted £150m – while also insisting they would only sell with two new strikers through the St James’ Park entrance door – are happy with what they’re calling the ‘banking’ of £130m. It’s £20m less than the £150m, but it’s also £20m more than Liverpool’s initial offer. That’s a price Toon top brass believe is worth it for a player who downed tools two months ago.
Where does the £5m difference come from?
Well, basically it’s money that isn’t coming from Liverpool, but which Newcastle are saving. Isak, despite effectively being persona non grata and demanding a move never actually handed in a transfer request on Tyneside, thus leaving the Magpies on the hook for loyalty payments and bonuses.
To get the deal done, Newcastle negotiated that he waive the £5m he’s owed for his three years at the club.
Therefore, your Liverpool reporters are calling it £125m. Those with more of a Newcastle allegiance are saying it’s £130m. And just to add a little extra sauce, Newcastle have made their belief clear that Liverpool ‘blinked first’.
On that last point, you may be asking yourself ‘well who cares?’ But once transfer agreements are reached, clubs really do care a remarkable amount, about perception – as Newcastle’s damning 37-word farewell statement shows.
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