Liverpool sign Alexander Isak in British transfer record £125m deal from Newcastle

Liverpool have signed striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a British-record fee of £130m (€150m).

Isak has signed a six-year contract and will wear the number nine shirt at Anfield, ending a saga in which the Sweden international effectively forced through his departure from St James’ Park.

The Merseysiders, who saw a £35m move for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi collapse at the 11th hour on deadline day, brought an end to the long-running saga involving the Swedish striker by confirming the mega-money move for the frontman.

Isak netted 54 times in 86 Premier League outings for the Magpies, with 23 of those goals coming last season, when he finished second behind Mohamed Salah in the race for the Golden Boot.

“It’s been a long journey to get here,” he said. “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.”

Newcastle United released a 37-word statement confirming the player’s departure without thanking the player for his time at the club as a saga that has dragged on all summer, and one which has left a bitter taste, finally ended.

The Reds had a £110m (€127m) offer rejected in August and since then the 25-year-old has not trained with or played for Newcastle, but in the final hours of the transfer window a deal was reached to end the impasse.

The Magpies, who announced the signing of striker Nick Woltemade on Saturday, finally relented after accepting the player did not want to play for them any longer. He accused the Toon of breaking a commitment that he could leave if a suitable offer came from a big club.

Isak was left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia with what was said to be a thigh injury, but has been absent from the squad ever since and at one stage was training alone at former club Real Sociedad.

He becomes Liverpool’s eighth first-team signing of the summer, marking the second time they have broken their own transfer record following the £110m (€127m) capture of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

It could have been a ninth signing, but Guehi’s £35m move from Crystal Palace broke down at the 11th hour.