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Newcastle’s Isak Exit: Liverpool’s Record Deal and a Bitter Saga

Liverpool’s signing of Alexander Isak for a British record £130m will be remembered as one of the defining transfers of this era, but the saga behind his departure from Newcastle United is equally significant. What began as a tentative enquiry more than a year ago escalated into a saga that turned toxic, leaving bruised relationships, hardened stances, and an icy farewell from St James’ Park.

The Telegraph’s detailed investigation reveals the twists and turns that led to this dramatic exit. From Newcastle’s financial uncertainty to a player’s disillusionment, this was a transfer that shaped the reputations of both clubs.

Financial Pressure and Early Friction

The seeds of this saga were sown in May 2024. Newcastle’s battle to stay within profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) meant key players, including Isak, attracted interest. Chelsea made an early approach, but a quoted asking price of over £150m deterred them. Newcastle’s financial position improved with the sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh, but discussions with intermediaries began to unsettle Isak.

Photo: IMAGO

By July 2024, sporting director Paul Mitchell had concluded Newcastle could not offer a new contract without serious financial risk. Former co-owner Amanda Staveley had promised improved terms, but those negotiations were shelved. Sources described the talks as “amicable,” but Isak’s camp considered it a turning point. From that moment, he was prepared to make the 2024-25 season his last in black and white.

Howe’s Man-Management and December Revival

The tension was visible early in the campaign. A lacklustre display against Fulham triggered a stern response from Eddie Howe, who reminded Isak of his responsibilities. It was a turning point. December 2024 saw Newcastle embark on a nine-game winning streak, equalling a club record, with Isak scoring 18 goals in 18 games.

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By March 2025, after scoring the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup final, Isak publicly declared he was happy. Yet insiders noticed a change: he became withdrawn, less focused, and training standards dipped. Some suggested he was reluctant to secure Champions League qualification, knowing it would complicate a move away.

Player Power and Toxic Atmosphere

As the summer approached, Newcastle prepared for bids. Their £150m valuation signalled they were not looking to sell. Negotiations in May attempted to placate Isak with a pay rise and a release clause for 2026. His representatives rejected this, instead demanding an immediate sale.

July became a flashpoint. Isak’s camp leaked stories linking him with Liverpool, withdrew him from a pre-season friendly, and then from the club’s Asia tour, citing injury. While Newcastle travelled, his camp publicly declared his desire to leave. This was described internally as “designed to cause maximum damage.” Howe, blindsided and frustrated, distanced himself from negotiations.

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Isak escalated tensions, flying to San Sebastian to train at Real Sociedad without permission. PIF, Newcastle’s ownership group, began to question whether keeping him was worth the disruption.

Liverpool’s Patience and Newcastle’s Breaking Point

Liverpool’s interest had been constant but restrained. An opening £110m bid was swiftly rejected. The Reds were prepared to wait, aware Newcastle’s position could soften. Howe attempted reconciliation, but Isak refused to train ahead of the Premier League opener, demanding assurances of a Liverpool move.

The situation worsened when Isak accused Newcastle of “breaking promises” in a social media statement. The club’s terse response dismissed his claims and hardened their position. Even personal visits from co-owner Jamie Reuben and a PIF delegation failed to resolve the impasse.

Behind the scenes, Newcastle sought replacements. Deals for Benjamin Sesko and Yoane Wissa stalled, but Nick Woltemade was secured for £69m as a long-term replacement for Callum Wilson. With internal divisions growing and Isak’s behaviour causing unrest, PIF concluded a sale was inevitable.

Photo: IMAGO

A Cold Goodbye

Liverpool’s £128m bid, rising to £130m with add-ons, arrived late on Sunday night. The agreement included Isak waiving £2m in loyalty payments, allowing Newcastle to invest quickly in Wissa for £55m.

When the deal was finalised on Monday evening, Newcastle’s statement was strikingly brief: 37 words, with no gratitude or farewell. “It was cold to the point of freezing,” a source told The Telegraph, reflecting the bitterness of his departure.

This saga has altered perceptions. Isak’s reputation has taken a hit in the North East, while Liverpool’s patient approach under sporting director Richard Hughes and head coach Arne Slot is being praised. Newcastle, meanwhile, are left recalibrating after losing their star striker, with a fanbase divided between disappointment and relief.

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Isak’s goals and charisma had made him a hero at St James’ Park, but the way this unfolded has left a sour taste. Supporters can understand ambition, but the decision to withdraw from pre-season tours, train elsewhere without permission, and release statements criticising the club has eroded goodwill.

Fans are left questioning the leadership too. Newcastle were adamant they would not sell, yet the situation spiralled to a point where PIF felt they had no choice. While the £130m fee is impressive, it feels like a forced sale rather than a strategic decision. The swift purchase of replacements like Woltemade and Wissa shows planning, but losing a player of Isak’s calibre will be hard to recover from quickly.

This saga has also damaged trust. The optimism from that nine-game winning streak and a domestic trophy now feels overshadowed by turmoil. Many supporters hoped Isak would lead the club into a new era of success, but instead, Liverpool have capitalised on Newcastle’s chaos.

For fans, the farewell statement said it all: no thanks, no sentiment, just closure. Isak’s time at Newcastle will be remembered for brilliance on the pitch, but also for how bitterly it ended.