Alexander Isak completed his move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day, following months of uncertainty and speculation over his future at Newcastle United.

Liverpool have reportedly been given a theory on why Newcastle United delayed completing Alexander Isak’s transfer to Anfield.

The Sweden striker joined Liverpool from the Magpies on deadline day in a record-breaking £125 million deal — the most expensive signing in both Anfield and British football history.

Since his arrival, Isak has scored just once for the Reds and has been on a special fitness programme after missing Newcastle’s pre-season and the opening Premier League fixtures.

Former Newcastle midfielder Jeff Hendrick believes the club may have deliberately slowed down the transfer to weaken Liverpool’s position.

Speaking to Boyle Sports, Hendrick said:

> “I was surprised by how long it dragged out publicly — nearly two months. It must have been something agreed behind closed doors for it to go that far.
I think Newcastle were just waiting to line up their own player before letting him go.

I wouldn’t be surprised if there were some tactics involved — maybe sending him to Liverpool not fully fit. He didn’t have a proper pre-season, so now Liverpool have to build him up while dealing with a busy schedule.

It’s probably clever from them, because he’s not yet looking like a £120 million player.”