Record-breaking drama as Liverpool land Isak and Newcastle strike back with bold reinforcements
Introduction
Deadline Day delivered its trademark drama, and this time it was Liverpool who stole the headlines. The Premier League champions completed a jaw-dropping £125 million signing of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, rewriting the record books and signalling their intent for another dominant campaign.
Newcastle, left reeling by the loss of their prized forward, wasted no time in responding. Within hours, the Magpies had sealed a £55 million move for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa—just days after splashing £80 million on Stuttgart talent Nick Woltemade.
Liverpool Land Isak in Blockbuster Deal
Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak was relentless. A £110 million bid earlier in August was swiftly rejected, but the Reds returned with even more determination as the window ticked down. The pressure eventually told.
Isak, just 25, had grown disillusioned at St. James’ Park after promises of a pathway to an elite club went unfulfilled. Refusing to train or feature in matches, he forced Newcastle’s hand. The final package reached £125 million, with a potential £5 million loyalty bonus that could push the overall cost to £130 million.
Once the medical is complete, Isak will become Liverpool’s eighth arrival this summer, joining marquee signing Florian Wirtz. Together, their business totals an eye-watering £416 million—a statement of ambition as they look to cement their supremacy at home and abroad.
Newcastle Respond with Wissa and Woltemade
Eddie Howe knew hesitation wasn’t an option. Newcastle swiftly pivoted to replacements, securing Yoane Wissa, who netted 19 league goals last season, in a high-profile £55 million deal.
The move followed Wissa’s open frustration with Brentford, where he accused the club of blocking his exit. Now at Newcastle, he teams up with Nick Woltemade, the £69.35 million signing from Stuttgart earlier in the week. The duo are expected to shoulder the burden left behind by Isak.
Other Notable Deadline Day Moves
- Liverpool Outgoings: Harvey Elliott is being monitored by Aston Villa, who may first need to offload Emi Buendía. Meanwhile, AC Milan have tabled a €15 million bid for Joe Gomez, though Liverpool’s ongoing pursuit of Marc Guéhi could stall any deal.
- Aston Villa: Negotiating with Manchester United for Jadon Sancho, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is rumoured to be on United’s radar as well.
- Manchester City: Finalized a €14 million agreement with Fenerbahce for Ederson, contingent on completing a move for PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma.
- Sunderland: Preparing to sign Ajax striker Brian Brobbey for £20 million after cutting short Marc Guiu’s loan from Chelsea.
- Burnley: On the verge of landing Benfica midfielder Florentino Luís on loan, with a £20.8 million purchase clause for next summer.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s record-breaking swoop for Alexander Isak has redefined this transfer window, underlining their hunger to dominate both the Premier League and Europe. Newcastle, though forced into reactive business, have moved quickly to keep their attacking threat alive. Meanwhile, the final day brought a flurry of deals across England, closing a transfer window that will be remembered for its scale, drama, and seismic shifts.
