Alexander Isak is set to lose out on a significant financial reward after Newcastle United negotiated the removal of a loyalty bonus from his record-breaking transfer to Liverpool. Despite never handing in an official transfer request, the Swedish striker will not receive the payment he might otherwise have been entitled to.
After weeks of speculation, Liverpool have agreed a deal worth £125 million to sign Isak, surpassing the Premier League transfer record previously set by Enzo Fernandez’s £106 million move from Benfica to Chelsea. With additional solidarity payments included, Newcastle will pocket a total of £130 million. According to reports, discussions between the two clubs intensified on Sunday night, paving the way for a medical scheduled on Monday. Isak is expected to sign a six-year contract under Arne Slot at Anfield.
Journalist Craig Hope revealed that Newcastle successfully removed the loyalty bonus clause from the deal. Martin Salisbury, a solicitor and academic at the University Campus of Football Business, explained that players often avoid formally requesting a transfer to safeguard their financial entitlements. The BBC further noted that refusing to submit a request allows players to retain contractual benefits, whereas officially asking to leave can mean forfeiting key payments.
Throughout the summer, Isak made his desire to depart clear, leading to his exclusion from Newcastle’s pre-season program and subsequent absences from league fixtures against Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Leeds. Frustrations grew when he released a public statement accusing the club of reneging on promises to let him leave—an accusation Newcastle denied. Manager Eddie Howe even stated publicly that he wanted to keep the striker.
In the days leading up to Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool, Isak reportedly held talks with representatives from the Public Investment Fund and co-owner Jamie Reuben, again stressing his wish to move. Liverpool had already seen a £110 million offer rejected in August, but with the transfer deadline looming, the two clubs reached an agreement. The move is expected to be finalized before the window closes at 7 PM on Monday.
