Alexander Isak explains why he had to hold out for Liverpool transfer despite Newcastle fury

Alexander Isak says he simply couldn't turn down the opportunity to join Liverpool in a British record £125m deal, as the summer-long saga surrounding his future finally came to an end.

Swedish forward Isak sealed his long-awaited move to Anfield on transfer deadline day having sat out Newcastle's first three games of the season in a bid to force through a move he felt he had been promised.

Isak made himself Public Enemy No.1 on Tyneside with his actions, and a banner calling him 'a rat' was hung up outside St James' Park on Monday.

But Isak showed little remorse for his actions after securing the switch he craved, and he has taken on the No.9 shirt at Anfield.

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When asked why Liverpool was the place to be by the Reds website, Isak said: “It’s a mixture of what the club is building, but what they’re building on top of what the club already is. The history of the club.

“Me getting the chance to be a part of this, I want to create history. I want to win trophies.

“That’s ultimately the biggest motivation for me and I feel like this is the perfect place for me to grow even further and to take my game to the next level and help the team as well.

“I feel like this is the next step for me in my career. I’m super-happy that I’ve been given this chance and I’m very motivated to do something well with it.”

Isak scored 62 goals for Newcastle in his three seasons on Tyneside, and found the net twice against Liverpool at Anfield when playing in black and white.

Asked about now featuring for the home team in front of the Kop, he added: “It’s so exciting. I think it’s something difficult to put into words, I think you have to experience it and then explain.

“I think we all know what Liverpool is about, the fans and what they’re about as well. So, yeah, looking forward to getting to experience that.”

Newcastle said goodbye to Isak in a terse 37-word statement on Monday evening, which read: "Newcastle United can announce the sale of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a significant British record transfer fee. The Sweden international joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022 and made 109 appearances in all competitions."

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