Former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos has stirred controversy with his blunt dismissal of Liverpool’s record-breaking £125M signing of Alexander Isak, questioning the hype around the Swedish striker. Is Kroos right to doubt the “bombshell” transfer, or will Isak prove him wrong on the pitch?

Toni Kroos, the retired football legend known for his razor-sharp midfield play and equally sharp commentary, has sparked a firestorm with his cheeky remarks about Liverpool’s blockbuster acquisition of Alexander Isak. On his podcast Einfach mal Luppen, co-hosted with his brother Felix, the former Real Madrid and Germany star didn’t hold back, suggesting that the £125 million (approximately €145 million) transfer fee for the Newcastle striker is wildly overblown. With Isak now the fourth-most expensive signing in football history, Kroos’ skepticism has ignited debate among fans and pundits alike. Is this a case of a football icon throwing shade, or does he have a point about Liverpool’s lavish spending?

Kroos’ Cutting Critique

In a candid episode of Einfach mal Luppen, Kroos took aim at the hype surrounding Isak’s move to Anfield. “I trust our listeners, but I’d say roughly half of them have never even heard of Isak. Judge for yourselves. Seriously,” he quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. His brother Felix chimed in, pointing out Isak’s lackluster stint at Borussia Dortmund, where the Swedish striker made just 13 appearances and scored a solitary goal between 2016 and 2019. Kroos doubled down, adding, “Dortmund, huh? Not much happened there.” His final jab came when discussing the staggering transfer fee: “Yes, it’s a lot of money, no doubt about it. Liverpool must have plenty to spend.”

Kroos’ comments, reported by Mundo Deportivo and ZNEWS.VN, reflect his broader critique of modern football’s inflated transfer market. The 35-year-old, who retired in July 2024 after a glittering career, including five Champions League titles and a 2014 World Cup, is no stranger to speaking his mind. But his dismissal of Isak, a player who shone at Newcastle with 27 goals in 42 appearances during the 2024/25 season, has raised eyebrows. Is Kroos underestimating a rising star, or is he calling out an overhyped deal?

Liverpool’s Record-Breaking Gamble

Liverpool’s acquisition of Isak, finalized on the 2025 transfer deadline day, smashed the Premier League’s transfer record, surpassing their own £100 million signing of Florian Wirtz earlier that summer. The £125 million deal, with additional bonuses pushing the total to €145 million, places Isak behind only Neymar (€222 million), Kylian Mbappé (€180 million), and Ousmane Dembélé (€148 million) in football’s all-time transfer rankings. The Swedish striker, who signed a six-year contract, is expected to form a lethal attacking trio with Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike, boosting Liverpool’s ambitions to dominate both domestic and European competitions.

Isak’s journey to Anfield was dramatic, with Newcastle initially refusing to sell before relenting after securing Nick Woltemade as a replacement. The 25-year-old’s stellar 2024/25 season, where he was the Premier League’s second-top scorer behind Salah with 23 goals, justified Liverpool’s investment for many fans. His 62 goals in 109 appearances over three years at Newcastle underscored his potential as a world-class forward. Yet, Kroos’ remarks highlight Isak’s earlier struggles at Dortmund, where he failed to make a lasting impact after arriving from AIK for €8.6 million in 2017.

Fans and Expectations

Liverpool supporters are buzzing with excitement, hoping Isak’s pace, finishing, and versatility will elevate their attack alongside Salah and Ekitike. The club’s summer spending, exceeding £440 million with signings like Wirtz (£100 million) and Ekitike (£95 million), signals a bold push for silverware under manager Arne Slot. However, Kroos’ comments have struck a nerve, with some fans defending Isak’s proven Premier League pedigree, while others question whether his price tag matches his potential. One commenter on L’Equipe noted, “Those who truly follow football know Isak and his enormous potential in attack.”

Kroos’ skepticism also taps into a broader debate about football’s escalating transfer fees. His remarks echo sentiments from critics who view such sums as unsustainable, yet Liverpool’s financial muscle—evident in their £478 million summer spree—shows their willingness to bet big on talent. Will Isak silence his doubters with a flurry of goals, or will Kroos’ words linger as a cautionary note?

A Challenge for Isak

As Isak steps into the spotlight at Anfield, Kroos’ comments add extra pressure to deliver. The Swedish striker’s determination to join Liverpool, even after Newcastle’s initial resistance, reflects his ambition to shine on a bigger stage. With a new chapter ahead, the question remains: Can Isak prove he’s worth the hype and the hefty price tag? Or will Kroos’ cheeky jab prove prescient? As the Premier League season unfolds, all eyes will be on Anfield to see if this “bombshell” signing lives up to expectations—or becomes a costly gamble.