Alexander Isak’s journey from Newcastle United to Liverpool has been anything but ordinary. The Swedish striker’s blockbuster £125 million transfer on the 2025 summer deadline day sent shockwaves through the Premier League, but the story behind the scenes is even more intriguing. As Liverpool prepares for a crucial clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Isak’s transition, his reflections on Newcastle, and his early days at Anfield are sparking widespread discussion among fans and pundits alike.
Isak, now 26, was coming off a sensational season with Newcastle, having netted 23 goals and earning a spot in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. His performances had made him one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe. However, the circumstances surrounding his departure from St James’ Park were shrouded in complexity. Instead of joining Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East, Isak trained alone at his former club, Real Sociedad, without the blessing of manager Eddie Howe. This decision left him out of much of Newcastle’s pre-season preparations and, as a result, he wasn’t fully match-fit when he finally completed his move to Liverpool.
Speaking to Sportbladet after receiving Sweden’s prestigious golden ball award for 2025, Isak opened up about his summer exit for the first time. He described his departure from Newcastle as “complicated,” a word that has since echoed throughout the football world. “I can say this: Things are always more complicated than they seem. I have talked about this, but I have not gone into depth. And it is not something that I want to do, based on the fact that I have put it behind me. I am focusing forward, there is no benefit in going into it or opening it up – neither for me nor for anyone else. It must remain in the past,” Isak told Sportbladet.
While Isak has been tight-lipped about the exact nature of the “broken promises” that contributed to his decision to leave, it’s clear that his relationship with Newcastle’s management had soured. Despite the rift, Isak has publicly defended the club’s Saudi owners. When pressed by Swedish journalists about his original decision to join Newcastle under their ownership, he sidestepped the political debate. “We understand how things can be twisted and turned. You can find negative things when it comes to everyone, and different things in our society. I think you have to take it for what it is. It’s an English club in the best league in the world, a step in your career,” Isak said.
He further elaborated on the criticism some players face for joining clubs with controversial owners. “No. I think that’s a very long shot. It’s a Premier League club, playing in England, in the best league in the world. If you have that option, it feels very far-fetched that you should say no to it because of their owners. From my perspective, a footballer’s perspective, as I said, you go to a Premier League club.” For Isak, his focus has always been on footballing ambition and the pursuit of excellence at the highest level.
Isak’s move to Liverpool was not just a business transaction; it was a leap toward fulfilling a dream. He admitted that the Reds’ interest was the most compelling factor in his decision-making process. “That was the most interesting thing for me. I felt pretty early on that this was where I wanted to go. A holistic picture (is what attracted me). The club’s history, where the club is today and the next steps it will take,” Isak explained.
But the transition to life at Anfield hasn’t been smooth sailing. Isak arrived not fully match-fit and soon suffered a groin injury in October, sidelining him for a month. Since recovering, he’s managed to score two goals for Liverpool in the 2025-2026 Premier League campaign, including a crucial strike in the 2-0 win over West Ham in late November. Still, these numbers pale in comparison to his prolific output at Newcastle, where he was a constant threat in front of goal.
Isak himself has acknowledged the slow start, both for him personally and for Liverpool as a team. “I don’t really have the answer to that (why it’s been slow). The team – of course it has been slow, but that’s how it is in football. There are always teams that fly, and then it goes slower for others. It is important to turn it around. And for my part too, it’s not the first time in my career that I’ve gone through a period like this, or I’m in bad shape. That’s how a football career works, it’s just something you have to fight your way out of,” Isak said.
Despite his struggles, Isak’s class and talent haven’t gone unnoticed. His performances for club and country earned him the Swedish Men’s Player of the Year award for 2025—a testament to his enduring quality and influence. The forward’s resilience and professionalism have been widely praised, with many expecting him to find his rhythm as the season progresses.
Looking back, Isak’s journey to the Premier League began three years ago when Newcastle paid £63 million to sign him from Real Sociedad. That transfer revitalized his career, propelling him into the spotlight and setting the stage for his eventual move to Liverpool. Isak’s story is one of ambition, adaptability, and a relentless drive to succeed at the highest level.
As Liverpool prepares to face Tottenham Hotspur, all eyes will be on Isak. The Reds are eager to extend their unbeaten run to six games, and manager Jürgen Klopp may well look to Isak to provide the spark up front. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but Isak has shown time and again that he thrives under the spotlight.
For now, the details of his Newcastle exit remain in the past—a chapter closed, at least publicly. Isak’s focus is firmly on the future, on helping Liverpool chase more silverware, and on proving that his record-breaking transfer was worth every penny. With his talent, determination, and the backing of the Anfield faithful, few would bet against Alexander Isak making his mark in Merseyside red.
As the Premier League season heats up, Isak’s evolving role at Liverpool promises to be one of the most compelling storylines to follow. Whether he’s scoring goals or battling through adversity, the Swedish striker’s journey is far from over—and the football world will be watching every step of the way.