Liverpool wrapped up the Premier League summer transfer window as the highest spenders as Arne Slot paid out £415m [$560m] on new players.
The Reds also sold £187m [$252m] worth of talent to give an overall net spend of £228m [$307m] ahead of their attempted top-flight title defence in 2025/26.
As part of a major squad refit, Slot twice broke the Premier League transfer record, firstly to sign Florian Wirtz for £100m [$135m] plus add-ons in June, before a deadline day £125m [$169m] deal for Alexander Isak.
The Isak saga dominated the summer gossip pages after the Sweden international effectively went on strike at Newcastle United to force a move to Anfield.
After rejecting an initial £110m [$148m] offer for the 26-year-old, the Magpies looked set to dig in and keep their talisman, before Liverpool dropped a final last minute offer.
Weeks of rumours and open transfer battles disrupted Newcastle’s start to the campaign, as Eddie Howe eventually secured deals for Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, to replace Isak at St. James’ Park.
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However, the drain of so much speculation was also felt on Merseyside, as Alexis Mac Allister admitted the squad grew tired of the saga – despite their enduring confidence over landing their No.1 target.
“At first it was a big deal, but after a while we got a bit tired, because it went on for too long,” as per Diario Sport.
“We all know the player he is. He’s going to be very important and we’re happy to have him. Maybe Newcastle are not happy, but that’s how football works, they received quite a bit of money so I think it’s good for both clubs.
“It’s good for him because it’s what he wanted. We know him and we’ve suffered against him a couple of times.”
Isak made his debut in the 3-2 UEFA Champions League win over Atletico Madrid on September 17, and came off the bench in Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League derby win over Everton, as Slot looks to ease him into action.
Three months of inaction, due to his exile at Newcastle means there is still work to do, and he’s unlikely to complete 90 minutes until after the October international break.
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