Newcastle United had no plans to part ways with Alexander Isak this summer, but the striker’s determination to leave left the club with little choice.

After weeks of tension, Liverpool struck a £130 million agreement in the early hours of deadline day, with Isak completing a medical and signing a six-year contract at Anfield.

The Sweden international took drastic measures to secure his move, sitting out Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia and refusing to train with his teammates.

In a statement during his stand-off, Isak declared that “when promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.” Newcastle denied those claims and initially played down any prospect of a sale, but their resistance eventually gave way.

The club confirmed his departure with a terse 37-word statement that made no mention of his goals or achievements and offered no thanks for his service.

The bitterness of the exit has cast a shadow over Isak’s legacy at St James’ Park, though the striker himself appears fully focused on his future.

Isak’s first words as a Liverpool player

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website after completing the move, Alexander Isak expressed his excitement at joining the club and his ambitions for the years ahead.

“It’s a mixture of what the club is building, but also the history of the club,” he said. “I want to create history. I want to win trophies. That’s the biggest motivation for me, and I feel like this is the perfect place to grow further, take my game to the next level, and help the team.”

Isak described the move as the next step in his career and vowed to give everything for his new side.

“Mainly goals, but much more than that as well. I want to win everything,” he added.

To Liverpool fans, his message was simple:

“I’m so happy that I’m finally here. I can’t wait to get back out there and hopefully we can share some amazing moments together.”