Liverpool and Isaac Key to New Premier League Transfer Restrictions

LONDON, TUESDAY – The shopping activity of new players in the English League during this summer transfer window has significantly increased compared to last season. The value of these transactions even has the potential to reach a new threshold if the transfer of Newcastle United star, Alexander Isak, truly materializes before the deadline.

As of Tuesday (19/8/2025) afternoon Indonesian time, referring to Football Transfer data, the total expenditure on new player purchases in the English Premier League reached £2.26 billion, equivalent to Rp 49 trillion. This transfer figure represents a 12.7 percent increase compared to the same period last season, which amounted to £1.97 billion or Rp 43 trillion.

According to the BBC, only a new purchase worth 100 million pounds is needed to break the all-time player transfer record in the English League. This record was set in the summer of 2023 with a total purchase value reaching 2.23 billion pounds (Rp 48.9 trillion). The closing of this summer transfer window is scheduled for September 1.

"There are still two weeks left (in the transfer window). With new agreements coming, it seems that new limits will be established," stated BBC, Tuesday (19/8/2025).

A shortfall of 100 million pounds to break the new total transfer value limit for players in the English League could be fulfilled by one person, namely Alexander Isak. The future of the 25-year-old Newcastle striker remains uncertain as he has openly expressed his disappointment with the club for not allowing him to move to Liverpool.

The Swedish national football team player has reportedly been "frozen" from the club's squad. He was absent from all of Newcastle's preseason activities this season. He was even not included in "The Magpies" squad when they began their journey in the English Premier League for the 2025-2026 season with an away match against Aston Villa last weekend.

Ishak's position in the match was filled by young striker Anthony Elanga, a graduate of Manchester United. However, Elanga, who was purchased from Nottingham Forest for £55 million (Rp 1.2 trillion), has yet to reach Ishak's level, a player who scored 23 goals in 34 matches in the Premier League last season. Without Ishak, Newcastle struggled to penetrate Villa's defense. The visiting team was held to a 0-0 draw.

According to Henry Winter, a journalist from the English Premier League, Liverpool needs to demonstrate its seriousness if it is indeed interested in bringing Isak to Anfield Stadium. Isak is valued at 150 million pounds (Rp 3.2 trillion), but Liverpool only offered 110 million pounds (Rp 2.1 trillion) in its initial bid last August.

Despite having a new central striker, Hugo Ekitike, who was purchased from Eintracht Frankfurt for £79 million (Rp 1.7 trillion), "The Reds" are believed to still be searching for additional talent in that position. Moreover, they have lost several strikers this season after parting ways with Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and the retirement of Digo Jota.

In addition, although he contributed a goal in his official debut match for the club last weekend, Ekitike still requires further adaptation to the English League. This contrasts with Isak, who has long experienced the challenges of the most competitive football league in the world. In the last two seasons, Isak has consistently scored more than 20 goals per season in the English League.

"Liverpool should make a reasonable offer (regarding the transfer of Isak). He is a player of elite level. That is why he is sought after by Liverpool," Winter stated as quoted by Liverpool Echo.

For Liverpool, money is not actually a major issue this season. Although they have spent a significant amount during this summer, totaling over 300 million pounds (Rp 6.5 trillion), they have also received substantial income from transfers. In total, they have garnered 200 million pounds (Rp 4.4 trillion) from the sale of ten players, including Diaz and Nunez.

In addition to Isak, Liverpool is also known to be interested in bringing in another player in the defensive sector. They are targeting Crystal Palace center-back, Marc Guehi (25). The transfers of Isak and Guehi to Anfield could potentially lead Liverpool to spend an additional £150 million (Rp 3.2 trillion). Their total expenditure could swell to £450 million.

However, Si Merah still has the opportunity to balance its financial statements and comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) as it intends to sell several other players, such as Kostas Tsimikas and Harvey Elliott.