Summer is all but officially over, which means the saga of the summer must reach some (il)logical conclusion before the leaves begin to turn and fall; in other words, Alexander Isak has completed his highly contentious $176-million transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool.
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Newcastle insisted all summer that Isak wasn’t for sale and that he wasn’t going anywhere this summer, but Isak duh his heels in repeatedly until Liverpool finally got their man (who they might or might not actually need).
“It’s been a long journey to get here,” Isak said in his first statement to Liverpool’s website. “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.”
Nobody comes out of the Isak transfer saga looking too well. Isak’s legacy at Newcastle, where he was the leading star for the team that won the club’s first trophy in 70 years is irreparably tarnished. Newcastle look like they caved and weren’t exactly ready with an alternative plan for an alternate reality to the one they were living in at the time. Liverpool have the least stink on them as they simply sat back and let Isak do all the work to engineer the move, but the club that not so long ago cried foul over other clubs’ spending has now shelled out $570 million this summer.
Newcastle fans will be disappointed to remember that Liverpool have already visited St. James’ Park and Isak’s return to Tyneside might not come until spring of 2027. For their troubles, the Magpies have replaced Isak with Yoane Wissa, who bagged 19 goals and 4 assists last season and forced his way out of Brentford for $74 million.
Alexander Isak to Liverpool — What does this mean for the Reds?
Well, for one thing the Reds now push themselves into the clear favorite to win the Premier League and cannot be considered anything other than a contender for any competition including the UEFA Champions League.
Isak is a center forward but is comfortable drifting to either wing, not unlike new Reds striker Hugo Ekitike — who ironically was a Newcastle target earlier in the window.
The Swedish star scored 23 times with six assists in 34 Premier League matches last season, chipping in three goals in the League Cup. Those were markers against Chelsea, Arsenal, and then Liverpool in the final as the Magpies ended a long trophy drought at the expense of Arne Slot’s men.
Isak is an elite finisher and dribbler with pace for days. He’s very good at progressing the ball and shot-creation, but his stardust comes when it comes to goals.
