Liverpool broke the bank in the last transfer window. The club allowed £130 million to exchange hands in the pursuit of Alexander Isak from Newcastle, bringing to a close one of the longest-running transfer sagas in the European market. The capture, already the most expensive Premier League signing in history, was the subject of instant controversy and attracted scathing criticism. Among the loudest voices to comment was that of ex-Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos, who was not afraid to say that he was surprised at the amount.
"It's an enormous sum of money, no question. Half our listeners perhaps do not even know who Isak is. Judge for yourself. Seriously," Kroos said to his podcast with his brother Félix. His blunt assessment did not just call into question the signing itself, it ignited a wider discussion about the excess that's sweeping English soccer.
The magnitude of Liverpool's red bill
Isak is currently Liverpool's most expensive signing in the Premier League era, surpassing the club's recent signing of Florian Wirtz, the German midfielder signed from Bayer Leverkusen for €150 million. Adding up all this summer's deals, Liverpool's bill has already sailed well over €489 million, making them handsomely the club that has spent the most on reinforcements anywhere in the world this year.
And the impact is not just in England. Globally, Isak's transfer is third of all time, placed behind only Mbappé's €180m switch to PSG and Neymar's €222m showstopper in 2017. In plain numbers alone, the 25-year-old Swede's signing is mind-boggling. And at the very same time, profoundly distressing.
The doubt over Isak
No one's doubting the striker's ability. Isak established himself at Newcastle, showed aplenty for Sweden's national side, and at his age still has room to improve. But that is not the real issue. The real question is if he is worth £130 million. Kroos didn't hold back. To the German, who witnessed Real Madrid's golden years and knows the market better than most, it is hard to justify such an investment in a player who, beyond the Premier League, is not a global star.
The previous midfielder spoke the truth when he uttered that. It might be what everyone feels. Liverpool bought superstar salaries for a leading man who has yet to deliver at the global stage. The burden starts the minute he puts on the red shirt. Isak is not here to play, he is here to justify every penny spent on his transfer.