Liverpool signed Newcastle striker in a British record move, but the new star had to Google his teammates

Liverpool is about to smash the British transfer record by buying a Newcastle striker for the second time.

TalkSPORT reports that the Reds may pay £120 million for Alexander Isak in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool have told Newcastle they want to sign Isak should the Magpies change their mind about selling their star strikerCredit: Getty

The Premier League champions have approached the Magpies, although no formal offer has been made yet.

They have no plans to move their star striker during this window, and they value the Swedish phenomenon at £150 million.

Liverpool are waiting to see whether their stance changes as they look to make another major deal.

Arne Slot set the British transfer record by signing Florian Wirtz at £116 million earlier this summer.

But he could wind up crushing it again with Isak, adding even more spectacular quality to his squad.

If the move happens, Isak would become the most expensive signing in Premier League history, surpassing Wirtz.

Liverpool would become the second club to recruit a Newcastle striker, breaking new ground.

In January 2011, the Reds created history by welcoming Andy Carroll from St. James’ Park.

Carroll became the most expensive British player ever and set the record for the most expensive top-flight transfer when he signed for £35 million.

The Geordie joined Liverpool alongside Luis Suarez to replace Fernando Torres, who later set a new record by signing for Chelsea for £50 million.

Carroll joined the club alongside Suarez in the January transfer windowCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Prior to his mid-season transfer, the 6ft4in forward scored 11 goals and assisted seven in 19 games for Newcastle.

However, his record transfer did not go as planned, as he was unable to regain his old form.

Carroll scored only 11 goals and assisted six in 58 games for Liverpool.

The strain of playing for such a club could have been the issue, but his lack of familiarity with his Reds colleagues would have also harmed his prospects of success.

After a £35 million transfer from Liverpool, he moved to West Ham for 18 months before permanently settling in London in 2013. He returned to Newcastle six years later, on a pay-as-you-play basis.

Upon his return, Carroll talked openly about his time at Anfield, confessing he had to Google his teammates.

He joined from Newcastle in a British-record transfer on Deadline DayCredit: Getty Images – Getty

In 2019, he explained: “When I was here [at Newcastle], I’d go home, screw around with my buddies, play football, go out, anything, but I’d never watch football, I never knew any players.

“I’d come in on Friday or wake up on Saturday morning and ask, ‘Who are we playing?'” I was absolutely clueless to what was going on in football.

“I would work at the training ground and knew my tactics, but until we had a meeting I didn’t know who we were playing, unless I asked someone.”

Carroll stated, “When I got in the chopper down to Liverpool, I was like, ‘I know Stevie G [Steven Gerrard] and I know Jamie Carragher. Who else?

Carroll had to Google who he was playing with at Liverpool before joining

“My agent at the time had to inform me, and I would look it up on Google to learn about the team. So that’s a true story.

“It’s bad because it’s Liverpool players, but it’s not disrespectful – I just literally didn’t watch football, so I didn’t know.”

Carroll didn’t have a good spell at Anfield after his record transfer

Carroll admitted that he struggled to fit in at Liverpool and preferred Newcastle’s style of play.

And he intimated that he wished he hadn’t left the Magpies.

He told Alan Shearer of The Athletic, “It was mad.” After purchasing a house in Newcastle, I found myself at a motel in Liverpool, unfamiliar with the city and its residents.

“I couldn’t figure out how to live or be in that club. I wanted to play similarly to how I did at Newcastle. But Liverpool was very different.

“I should have accepted their views and what they wanted. Looking back, I realize how little I appreciated what I had and what I could have accomplished.

Carroll may look back on his time at Liverpool and regret it, but he is still playing football at the age of 36.

And if a move for Isak occurs, they can be fairly certain of it, as he is regarded as one of the top players in the world.

For £120 million, however, the Reds will hope the Swede performs some study on his teammates first…

Sean Longstaff Transfer News: Leeds Agree Deal with Newcastle for Midfield Star

Leeds United have made a significant breakthrough in the transfer market by agreeing a fee with Newcastle United for midfielder Sean Longstaff. The move marks a statement of intent from the Championship side, as they aim to rebuild their midfield with proven Premier League quality. Sources close to both clubs have confirmed that the agreement has been reached, and the player is expected to travel for medical checks shortly.

Longstaff has been a consistent figure at Newcastle for several seasons. Rising through the ranks of the club’s academy, he established himself as a reliable midfield presence, combining work rate, passing range, and tactical discipline. However, with Newcastle’s growing ambitions and a revamped midfield structure, his role began to diminish in recent months.

Leeds, meanwhile, have been actively seeking reinforcements in the middle of the park. After missing out on promotion, the club’s hierarchy is determined to reshape the squad with experienced players who can offer leadership and consistency. Longstaff fits that profile perfectly, having played in high-pressure Premier League and cup fixtures.

The move also aligns with Leeds’ philosophy of building a core group of British players familiar with the physical demands of English football. Longstaff’s arrival will bring not just stability, but also a sense of calm during high-stakes matches — something the club sorely missed during their previous campaign.

Negotiations between the two clubs were said to be respectful and direct. Newcastle did not push to retain the player, as they are pursuing other midfield targets and were open to allowing Longstaff to seek regular football elsewhere. For Leeds, the transfer represents a calculated investment in a player entering his prime.

The midfielder is expected to slot straight into Leeds’ first-team plans. Manager Daniel Farke has reportedly been a long-time admirer of Longstaff’s style — a blend of composure under pressure, tactical versatility, and leadership on and off the pitch. With Leeds aiming to challenge at the top of the table, this addition gives them a major boost in midfield depth.

Longstaff’s experience in the top flight could also prove invaluable to the younger members of the Leeds squad. His knowledge of game management, pressing triggers, and spatial awareness will be critical in tight matches where small margins often define outcomes in the Championship.

The move may also benefit Longstaff personally. After years of loyalty to his boyhood club, the time feels right for a new challenge. At Leeds, he will likely enjoy more regular starts and a central role in the club’s resurgence, something he hasn’t consistently had at Newcastle in recent times.

Fans of both clubs have shared mixed reactions. Newcastle supporters are largely understanding of the transfer, recognizing that while Longstaff is a solid servant, the club’s ambitions now lie with more dynamic midfielders capable of performing at the highest European level. Leeds fans, on the other hand, are optimistic, welcoming a player with pedigree and hunger to prove himself once again.

Behind the scenes, Leeds are working to ensure a smooth integration for the midfielder. With pre-season already underway, the club wants Longstaff available to participate in key sessions and friendly matches before the new season kicks off. His presence could fast-track the cohesion Leeds have been seeking in their midfield unit.

The contract is expected to be a long-term one, signaling the club’s intent to build with Longstaff at the heart of the project. Both the player’s representatives and Leeds management are reportedly satisfied with the terms, and the final formalities are now a matter of timing and logistics.

From a tactical standpoint, Longstaff’s arrival allows Leeds to explore new formations. His ability to operate as a holding midfielder, box-to-box presence, or even in a deeper playmaking role gives the manager multiple options. This flexibility could be key across a grueling campaign.

Leeds have made it clear that promotion is the only acceptable outcome this season. Moves like this underline that ambition. While some fans may have preferred flashier names, the acquisition of Longstaff is a smart, strategic step — one that prioritizes consistency and leadership over short-term flair.

Newcastle, for their part, are using this transfer window to fine-tune their squad for both domestic and European battles. Selling Longstaff frees up squad space and wages for incoming targets who better fit Eddie Howe’s evolving system. The club remains focused on signing players who can operate at the highest technical and physical levels.

It’s worth noting the professionalism shown by Longstaff throughout the process. He remained committed during his final days at Newcastle and leaves with no drama or conflict. That quiet loyalty has earned him respect among teammates and fans alike.

If all proceeds without hiccups, Longstaff could be unveiled by Leeds before the end of the week. Media appearances, shirt presentation, and club interviews are already being planned. His addition would likely be followed by other signings as Leeds seek to complete their squad rebuild.

The deal represents a classic case of the right timing for all parties involved. A player ready for a new chapter, a buying club in need of leadership, and a selling club moving in a new direction. Rarely are transfers this mutually beneficial in modern football.

For Longstaff, this isn’t just a move down a division. It’s a chance to be central again, to lead from the middle, and to prove that he still has much to offer English football. With Leeds, he finds a club that believes in him — and that belief could be the difference in the long campaign ahead.