Alexander Isak will get the move he's agitated for all summer
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on December 04, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on December 04, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
(Image: Stu Forster, Getty Images)
Alexander Isak will finally get the move he's agitated for all summer, with the striker set to complete a blockbuster deadline day transfer to Liverpool - and while fans in the Chronicle Live comments section are disappointed at the way the saga is ended, some say it's the best the club could've done when they were dealt a bad hand.
The transfer is worth £130million - Liverpool will pay £125m to Newcastle United, parting with an extra £5m in solidarity payments for Isak's previous clubs. He will sign a six-year contract with the Reds, and is expected to complete his medical on transfer deadline day.
It's been a month since Liverpool first tested the waters with a £110m bid, after privately signalling that they would be open to a £120m deal.
The Magpies' refusal eventually led to Isak downing tools and publicly agitating for the move, with the striker saying that 'promises' had been broken.
Newcastle will get £25m less than their original £150m valuation, but with the squad needing replacements, the decision was made to settle for a sale this summer rather than string the situation out even longer.
There's little love left to lose between the fans and Isak after the shadow he's cast over their summer. Reader Toonsville says: "Not only has he cost us points on the table by REFUSING to play. He has also cost us the transfer money we wanted because of his actions and timing.
"I would have rejected that bid and held out for another one if they were that desperate. I hope we have put a 20% sell-on clause in that deal, as when Real Madrid come calling he will go scurrying off again at the drop of a hat. I know you were promised things by others but what about the loyalty to the fans that idolised you, all the players that played by your side, and the main reason, Eddie Howe!
"Who made you into the player you are today and probably the best striker in the world! No loyalty in football anymore, money talks! Newcastle are bigger than one player, this will only make us stronger!"
Commenter Redgrain writes: "Handled dreadfully by Isak and his agent, who are no longer welcome in the Toon. Liverpool have questions to answer, as I think they made an illegal approach. The issue of refusing to play while under contract needs examining, it’s not like he was being bullied, more the other way round. Glad he’s gone now, was his heart ever here?"
Jetx says: "Yes, we’ve been kippered alright, by Isak and his agent and by Liverpool. We’ve been shown to be weak. We’ve been rolled over. Nobody’s reducing asking prices for us; just the opposite. They’re putting the price up!"
Ipagardner writes: "Well so much for the club not needing to sell him, and not going unless we receive £150million and we have a replacement in place. So he's gone for £125million and possibly no replacement in place.
"Why don't they just pay the money for either Larsen or Wissa, because if they don't this could be a very big mistake in their progress in all competitions. The difference in what we have offered for players to what it could come to financially overall is peanuts."
Bluesee adds: "Good riddance. He should be ashamed at the way he has conducted himself. I can understand if he wanted a move but there are ways and means of doing that."
Pommedeuce says: "The only person to come out of this well is Howe. He has maintained his dignity and fielded tough press questions perfectly."
Have your say! What last minute business should Newcastle United do as the transfer window comes to an end? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.