Alexander Isak got everything he wanted on transfer deadline day, leaving Newcastle United to sign for Liverpool.
The biggest deal of the summer went through on the final day of the window, with Isak joining Liverpool for a British record fee of £125million.
It brought an end to an unsavoury transfer saga that has tarnished the Swedish striker’s legacy at St James’ Park.
Isak sent a message to Newcastle United on Tuesday, thanking the club and its supporters for an ‘unforgettable’ three years. However, it did nothing to repair the damage he created this summer.
It was the first time that Isak had spoken about the Magpies since his blockbuster statement. On that night, he claimed that promises had been ‘broken’, which alluded to Newcastle not offering him a contract in the summer of 2024.
Liverpool's Alexander Isak looks at former Newcastle United teammate Emil Krafth during a Sweden training session.
Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images
How much Alexander Isak is earning at Liverpool
Isak had been told he would get a pay rise by Amanda Staveley, but that decision was reversed by Paul Mitchell because of the club’s PSR position.
That did not go down well with Isak’s camp, and appeared to kick off a chain of events that led to where we are today.
The 25-year-old has now received that pay rise, but it is Liverpool who are paying him. He has inked a six-year deal at Anfield, with the Guardian reporting that he is now earning £300,000-a-week.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
That represents a huge increase for the forward, who had been earning £120,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
Liverpool are doing what Newcastle United either wouldn’t, or couldn’t.
Geordie Boot Boys understand that Isak wanted £300,000-a-week at Newcastle United when both parties sat down for contract talks earlier this year. That figure left Toon officials stunned.
Who is Newcastle United’s highest earner?
Newcastle were willing to make Isak their best paid player, but did not get that opportunity.
Therefore, Bruno Guimaraes is still Newcastle’s highest earner. He earns £160,000-a-week at St James’ Park.
The Brazilian midfielder has a contract with the Magpies until 2028.
While Isak did not get a pay rise at Newcastle United, the club’s wage bill could soon increase. That is because Newcastle want Sandro Tonali and Sven Botman to sign new contracts.
It has also been reported that Tino Livramento could get a new deal following summer interest from Manchester City.