Saudi Chairman Met With Alexander Isak Before Liverpool Transfer
Liverpool completed the signing of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak for a British record $143 million on Monday evening\'s transfer deadline. The Swedish international signed a six-year contract after forcing his exit from St James\' Park through a summer-long standoff.
The Athletic reported that multiple sources with knowledge of the deal confirmed the transfer following months of negotiations. Isak had refused to train with Newcastle\'s first team and publicly demanded his departure after claiming broken promises regarding his future.
Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan attended a meeting at Isak\'s house in mid-August alongside other ownership representatives. Sources indicated the striker remained adamant about his desire to leave despite the high-level intervention from Saudi Arabia\'s Public Investment Fund officials.
The deal was finalized Sunday night following Liverpool\'s 1-0 victory over Arsenal. Banks reportedly became aware that Newcastle explored financing options to access the majority of the transfer fee immediately rather than in installments.
Isak\'s decision to go on strike torched his relationship with Newcastle supporters but ultimately forced the club\'s hand. The 25-year-old scored 27 goals in all competitions last season and had emerged as one of Europe\'s most complete center-forwards.
Newcastle initially rejected Liverpool\'s $127 million bid in early August before eventually accepting the record-breaking offer. The fee will net Newcastle $150 million including solidarity payments, while Real Sociedad will receive approximately $11 million due to sell-on clauses.
\"I want to create history, I want to win trophies,\" Isak said in his Liverpool interview. \"That\'s ultimately the biggest motivation for me and I feel like this is the perfect place for me to grow even further.\"
Liverpool\'s transfer window spending exceeded $460 million this summer, though player sales recouped more than half that amount.