Alexander Isak has penned an emotional farewell to Newcastle United, expressing his gratitude for his three-year stint with the club after sealing a British-record transfer to Liverpool. The Swedish international's move to Anfield was finalized on deadline day, with the Premier League champions shelling out a staggering £125 million for his services.
However, Isak's departure from the Magpies wasn't without its complications. An initial bid of £110 million was reportedly turned down by Eddie Howe's side, leading to a period of tension as Isak allegedly refused to play for Newcastle in an attempt to force the transfer. He suggested that the club had reneged on promises regarding a potential move, but ultimately, a deal was struck, paving the way for his switch to Merseyside.
Newcastle have moved swiftly to bolster their attacking options following Isak's exit, securing the signatures of Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart and Yoane Wissa from Brentford. These additions are aimed at filling the void left by the 25-year-old, who had become a pivotal figure in the Magpies' squad.
During his time at St. James' Park, Isak made a total of 109 appearances across all competitions, showcasing his prowess in front of goal with an impressive tally of 62 goals and 10 assists. He also played a crucial role in ending the club's 70-year trophy drought, scoring the decisive goal in their EFL Cup final victory over Liverpool in March—a bittersweet moment considering his subsequent move to the same club.
While Newcastle issued a concise 37-word statement to confirm Isak's departure, the striker opted for a more personal and heartfelt farewell, taking to Instagram to express his emotions. "I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the staff, and above all, the city of Newcastle and all the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together," Isak wrote.
"Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs. It has been an honor to be part of the journey from reaching the Champions League to winning the first trophy in 70 years. Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle."
Isak’s high-profile arrival at Anfield pushes Liverpool’s total spending for the summer transfer window beyond the £400 million mark. The Reds had previously broken their own transfer record with the acquisition of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, signaling their intent to challenge for major honors.
Liverpool's aggressive recruitment drive also saw them secure the services of Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, meaning that the club were responsible for the three most expensive signings made by Premier League clubs during the window, underlining their financial muscle and ambition.
Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in August 2022, Isak has proven to be a consistent goalscorer in the Premier League. Only Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (85 goals) and his new Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah (65 goals) have found the net more often than Isak (54 goals) during that period, highlighting his impact in English football.
Furthermore, Isak's clinical finishing is reflected in his impressive shot conversion rate. Among strikers who have featured in more than 80 Premier League games since the start of the 2022-23 campaign, only Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood (28.89%) and Haaland (23.94%) boast a better shot conversion rate than Isak (23.68%), showcasing his efficiency in front of goal.
Isak's contributions were particularly noteworthy last season, as he netted 23 goals in the top flight, becoming the first Newcastle player to reach that milestone since Alan Shearer achieved the same feat in the 2001-02 season, further cementing his place in the club's history books.
