In one of the most talked-about moves of the summer of 2025, Liverpool made headlines by securing Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a staggering £125 million, setting a new British transfer record . The staggering figure has ignited widespread discussion—none more candid than that of former Real Madrid and German midfield legend Toni Kroos.
Speaking on his podcast Einfach mal Luppen with brother Félix, Kroos did not mince words. “I trust our listeners, but I’d say roughly half of them have never even heard of Isak. Judge for yourselves. Seriously,” he remarked . Félix chimed in, alluding to Isak’s brief stint at Borussia Dortmund, but Kroos dismissed that exposure as insignificant: “Borussia Dortmund, well. Not much has happened there,” he added, underscoring his skepticism about Isak’s global prominence .
The abrupt tone of the comment—“It’s a lot of money, without a doubt”—signals more than casual surprise. It underscores broader concerns regarding the escalating transfer fees in football, particularly among mega-rich Premier League sides like Liverpool . Indeed, Isak is now not only the most expensive British signing ever but also one of the costliest transfers globally, trailing only the likes of Neymar and Mbappé .
Whilst Isak has proven his value at Newcastle—with 62 goals in 109 games and a cult following—Kroos’ remarks invite debate: Is Liverpool’s investment a visionary long-term bet or a perilous leap inflated by market excess?
His pointed commentary has stirred conversation among pundits and fans alike. For some, the fee reflects modern football’s unsustainable financial trajectory; to others, it’s a bold testament to Liverpool’s faith in Isak’s potential.
In one of the most talked-about moves of the summer of 2025, Liverpool made headlines by securing Swedish striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a staggering £125 million, setting a new British transfer record . The staggering figure has ignited widespread discussion—none more candid than that of former Real Madrid and German midfield legend Toni Kroos.