Liverpool agree £125m deal for Newcastle striker Alexander Isak

Liverpool have agreed a Premier League record deal worth £125 million for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, according to The Athletic.

The agreement will ultimately be worth £130m to Newcastle, thanks to solidarity payments, and follows weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.

Isak will sign a six-year deal at Anfield, despite Newcastle’s reluctance to let go of their prized asset.

He had made clear his desire to leave St James’ Park, refusing to feature in pre-season or Newcastle’s opening three league fixtures.

Liverpool initially tested the waters with a £110m bid, but Newcastle stood firm and refused to budge from £150m. They met halfway.

With the Swede set to undergo a medical on Monday, Liverpool manager Arne Slot will soon be able to call upon one of the Premier League’s most feared forwards.

The striker was in blistering form last season, registering 27 goals in 42 matches across all competitions.

His 23 Premier League goals placed him just behind Mohamed Salah in the Golden Boot race.

For Liverpool, who are eyeing another title win after a brilliant start to the season, Isak will deliver quality and firepower.

However, his arrival adds a fascinating twist to the Reds’ frontline.

Liverpool signed Hugo Ekitike earlier this summer for €95m, and he has taken Anfield by storm with a flurry of goals and top performances.

The Frenchman’s movement, unpredictability and ability to stretch defences have quickly made him a fan favourite. Slot must now balance two centre-forwards who will both expect to start.

How Liverpool’s manager manages this delicate situation could define the season.

Isak is a marquee signing with the pedigree to lead the line, but so is Ekitike. Dropping him in his current form would cause an uproar.

Slot will need all his man-management skills to keep both players firing and happy.