Alexander Isak's Updated Transfer Value Compared to Replacement Nick Woltemade

Liverpool FC completed the signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United in a British-record £125m (€145m) deal during the 2025 summer transfer window, marking the most expensive transfer in Premier League history.[1][3]

Isak, a 26-year-old Swedish striker standing at 192cm, joined Liverpool on a six-year contract, wearing the number 14 (or 9 per some sources). Previously with Newcastle since his move from Real Sociedad, Isak has transitioned to a mobile striker or poacher role at Anfield.[1][5] The transfer ended a protracted saga, with Isak sidelining himself from preseason amid broken promises from Newcastle, though he later described it as a "closed chapter" and expressed pride in becoming a Liverpool player.[4]

However, recent valuations paint a different picture. The CIES Football Observatory's model, updated as of January 6, 2026, now estimates Isak's transfer value at just €95m (£82m), ranking him 16th in the Premier League and 29th globally. This is a sharp drop from Liverpool's outlay, placing him below four Liverpool teammates, including new signing Hugo Ekitiké at €124.1m (4th in PL).[2][6]

In contrast, Newcastle's replacement, Nick Woltemade, has surged to €120.5m (£104m), making him the 5th most valuable Premier League player and 15th worldwide—outpacing Isak significantly.[2] Other comparable players include Lautaro Martínez (€78.8M) and Cody Gakpo (€73.9M).[1]

Isak's 2025/26 form has been modest: 2 goals and 1 assist in 10 Premier League starts (508 minutes), with a 6.51 average rating. Recent matches include a 7.2-rated substitute appearance vs. Tottenham (Dec 20, 2025) and starts against Brighton and Inter Milan.[5]

The article highlights the irony: Liverpool paid a record fee for Isak, yet updated metrics value Newcastle's "Big Nick" Woltemade higher, sparking debate on transfer value accuracy and Isak's Anfield adaptation.[2]

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