Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle for £125m on deadline day, but failed in a late attempt to also sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi. The Sweden international underwent a medical on Merseyside before signing a six-year contract worth around £300,000 a week.
The deal marks the second time this summer that Liverpool have broken their own transfer record, following the £100m plus £16m in add-ons for Florian Wirtz in June. Liverpool's total summer spending will exceed £440m after the Isak deal, which includes no add-ons but effectively costs Newcastle £130m due to cancelled loyalty bonuses.
Isak's move ends a long and acrimonious transfer saga. Newcastle had rejected a £110m bid on 1 August, but the player's refusal to play in pre-season and public statements forced the sale. Isak accused Newcastle of breaking a commitment to let him leave for a big club and told club representatives he would never play for them again.
Liverpool's attempt to sign Guéhi collapsed when Palace pulled out after failing to sign an experienced replacement. Palace accepted £35m plus £5m in add-ons, but a deal for Brighton's Igor Julio fell through. Palace manager Oliver Glasner was furious at the decision to sell his captain, who is in the final year of his contract.
Liverpool may renew their interest in Guéhi in January, but he could attract interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich if he becomes a free agent next summer. Despite missing out on their main defensive target, Liverpool secured Isak, who said: 'I want to create history. I want to win trophies. This is the perfect place for me to grow.'
