Isak set to swap St James' Park for Anfield as British record fee agreed

Liverpool has agreed a deal to sign Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on a long-term contract for a British record fee of around 130 million pounds ($175 million), Sky Sports News and The Athletic reported on Sunday.

The Athletic reported that Isak would undergo a medical on Monday before completing a six-year deal with the Merseyside club. Protracted negotiations over the deal have dominated the Premier League transfer window, which closed on Monday, with a Liverpool bid of 110 million pounds for the 25-year-old rejected earlier in August.

Neither Liverpool nor Newcastle immediately responded to requests for comments outside normal business hours early on Monday morning.

Isak scored 23 league goals last season to guide Newcastle back to the Champions League with a fifth-placed finish, as well as also scoring in the League Cup final against Liverpool to give the Magpies their first domestic trophy in 70 years.

He did not join Newcastle on its preseason tour and was forced to train separately in a tense standoff with the club.

Isak, however, accused Newcastle of breaking promises and misleading supporters in a statement that confirmed he wanted to leave the club, saying that change was in the "best interests of everyone".

At 25, Isak is entering the peak of his career. His ability to stretch defenses, link play and score a variety of goals makes him a natural fit for Liverpool's high-intensity style.

Beyond the tactical fit, this signing sends a message: Arne Slot's Liverpool is not content with last year's title, it's after more big trophies.

Few transfers in recent years have captured attention like this one, with Reds fans already buzzing online about Isak's Premier League record at Newcastle, hoping he can deliver instantly. If Isak adapts quickly to Anfield's expectations, Liverpool could have secured a world-class striker for the next six years.

On Saturday, Newcastle signed German striker Nick Woltemade for a club record fee reported to be worth up to 69 million pounds, a move regarded to have paved the way for Isak's departure.

Agencies