Liverpool are paying Newcastle United a ‘solidarity’ payment to sign Alexander Isak. What is a ‘solidarity’ payment?
Record-Breaking: Liverpool Complete £130m Deal for Alexander Isak
Liverpool have finally secured their man. After months of speculation, the Reds have reached an agreement to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United in a blockbuster deal worth £130 million — a new British transfer record, eclipsing Chelsea’s £106m move for Enzo Fernández in January 2023.
The package also includes a £5m “solidarity payment” to reward the clubs that played a role in Isak’s development between the ages of 12 and 23. Swedish side AIK, Dutch club Willem II, Borussia Dortmund, and Real Sociedad will all receive a share, with Newcastle potentially entitled to a portion as well since Isak joined them at 22.
For Isak, the move represents a lifelong dream fulfilled: playing at Anfield alongside Mohamed Salah. But the striker is expected to miss out on millions in potential loyalty and performance bonuses by leaving Newcastle early — a sacrifice he was willing to make to secure the switch.
The 25-year-old’s journey has been remarkable. After breaking through at AIK, he moved to Dortmund, enjoyed a loan spell at Willem II, and then made his name at Real Sociedad before joining Newcastle for £63m in 2022.
At St. James’ Park, Isak delivered consistently, scoring 62 goals in 109 appearances, including an incredible 23 goals in 32 Premier League matches last season.
Now, with Liverpool’s firepower surrounding him, expectations are sky-high. Despite missing the first three league games of the new season, fans are already anticipating a prolific campaign as Isak prepares to lead the line at Anfield.
🔥 Liverpool’s message is clear: under Arne Slot, they’re ready to dominate.
Isak Set for Sweden Duty Before Liverpool Debut
Alexander Isak’s record-breaking transfer to Liverpool comes after a spell on the sidelines at Newcastle, where he did not feature in pre-season and missed the club’s opening three league fixtures.
Despite the lack of recent minutes, the 25-year-old has been included in Sweden’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo. National team staff are expected to hand him valuable game time, offering Isak the chance to sharpen his fitness before he links up with his new club.
Liverpool, who have made a perfect start to the Premier League season with three wins from three, will resume their campaign on September 14 against Burnley. Isak is expected to be in contention for a debut, with fans eager to see how the £130m forward will slot into Arne Slot’s new-look attack alongside Mohamed Salah.
For both Sweden and Liverpool, the coming weeks could mark the beginning of a defining chapter in Isak’s career
