Alexander Isak forces transfer again after refusing buy-back clause and late U-turn

If there's one thing we've learned about Alexander Isak , it's that he usually gets what he wants. The Newcastle striker looks poised to seal a blockbuster £125million move to Liverpool , with a deal between the two clubs finally agreed after weeks of tension and bitter standoffs.

Isak's determination has once again proven the decisive factor in reshaping his career. His impending transfer underscores a recurring theme: Isak's knack for bending circumstances to his will, whether through late U-turns, outright refusals, or calculated pressure on clubs.

From his teenage days snubbing Real Madrid to his steadfast resistance against returning to Borussia Dortmund and his engineered exit from Real Sociedad , Isak has consistently emerged victorious in transfer sagas, prioritising his ambitions over contractual obligations or club loyalties.

Isak's story of self-determination began early, when as a 17-year-old prodigy at Swedish club AIK, he captivated Europe's elite clubs with his blend of pace, technique, and clinical finishing.

Real Madrid, perennial hunters of young talent, thought they had secured his signature after agreeing terms. But in a stunning reversal that set the tone for his career, Isak executed a late U-turn , opting instead to sign for Dortmund.

The decision was, in part, driven by the German club's track record in nurturing young players into first-team stars, a path Isak believed would accelerate his development. "Everyone knows that Borussia is a good club to develop at as a young player because so many of them are in the first-team," Isak told FourFourTwo. "I want to play here and I am waiting for my chance, and I'll take it when it comes."

This bold snub not only left Real reeling but also highlighted Isak's early willingness to defy expectations and chart his own course, even if it meant ruffling feathers. Upon arrival at the Westfalenstadion, tensions arose with manager Thomas Tuchel , who claimed ignorance of the signing, prompting a public apology from Dortmund's hierarchy.

Struggles for playing time soon tested Isak's resolve - and after a loan spell at Willem II in the Netherlands where he rediscovered his scoring touch, Isak sought a permanent fresh start.

In 2019, Dortmund sold him to Real Sociedad for a modest £7.5m, but with a caveat: a £26m buy-back clause that gave the Bundesliga giants first refusal should Isak flourish in La Liga . Flourish he did, evolving into one of Europe's most lethal forwards with his on-ball elegance and predatory instincts in the box.

In 2021, with Erling Haaland's departure looming, Dortmund eyed a reunion with Isak, activating interest in their former star. But Isak, content in San Sebastian, had other ideas. He flatly refused to entertain a return, declaring Dortmund part of his "past."

"I'm fully aware that there is a clause," he said at the time. "All I can say is that Dortmund is in my past and not in my future. I'm doing very well here, and I'm not thinking about going back at all."

To eliminate the clause entirely, Sociedad paid Dortmund an additional £5m, effectively buying out Isak's autonomy. This episode exemplified his growing influence; by standing firm, Isak not only secured his preferred environment but also forced clubs to renegotiate on his terms, turning a potential obligation into a non-issue.

His tenure at Sociedad was marked by both excellence and the promise of genuine brilliance. He netted 44 goals in 132 appearances and helped the club to a Copa del Rey triumph in 2020 - their first major trophy in decades.

However, as several Premier League suitors circled, Isak's ambitions shifted toward England's top flight. With a £75m release clause in his contract, he and his representatives subtly applied pressure on Sociedad, signalling his desire for a new challenge.

The Basque club, initially expecting him to stay, were caught off guard. President Jokin Aperribay admitted: "We did not expect Isak to leave." But Isak's intent was clear, and in August 2022, Newcastle shattered their transfer record with a £63m deal.

This forced exit from Sociedad, where he had been a cornerstone, reinforced the pattern: when Isak decides it's time to move, he makes it happen, leveraging his performances and market value to override club reluctance.

Now, after three years at St James' Park, Isak's script is repeating itself with a move to Anfield imminent. After a stellar 2024/25 season where he scored 27 goals, Isak spent the summer agitating for a transfer, missing the club's pre-season tour and even threatening to go on strike .

Newcastle initially resisted, rejecting a £110m bid from Liverpool earlier in the window. But Isak's persistence has worn down the resistance, paving the way for a British record £125m move.

At Liverpool, he's expected to lead the line as the new No. 9, potentially pushing Hugo Ekitike out left, with Mohamed Salah on the right and Florian Wirtz pulling the strings behind. On paper, it's a terrifying prospect for opponents - but with Liverpool still searching for rhythm this season, there's no guarantee the attack will click right away.

Isak's career tells the story of a player who refuses to drift with circumstance. He's turned down Madrid's glamour, walked away from Dortmund's lifeline, and forced both Sociedad's and Newcastle's hand - all on his terms.

This move to Liverpool isn't just another transfer - it's the latest chapter in a career shaped by Isak's will. As he prepares to pull on the red shirt, fans and pundits know one thing: Isak has always written his own story, and he doesn't plan to stop now.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.