Alexander Isak’s move from Newcastle United to Liverpool for a record-breaking £130 million has not gone as planned, and criticism is now starting to mount.
The Swedish forward, who forced his way out of St James’ Park during the summer transfer window, has endured a frustrating start to life at Anfield. Former Liverpool and Sunderland midfielder Don Hutchison is among those to call out the striker, blaming Isak for his own struggles since making the high-profile switch.
The 25-year-old’s time at Newcastle ended controversially after he went on strike to push through the transfer, despite being one of the club’s most influential players under Eddie Howe.
His efforts eventually paid off when Liverpool sealed the deal on deadline day in what became the most expensive transfer in Premier League history. However, expectations that he would immediately elevate Liverpool’s attack have not yet been met.
Isak has struggled for both form and fitness, with his time on Merseyside already disrupted by a groin injury that ruled him out for four matches. Even after returning to full training, he found himself an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend, a sign that he is yet to fully convince head coach Arne Slot.
Since joining Liverpool, Isak has managed just one goal in eight appearances and that came in the Carabao Cup against Championship side Southampton. His Premier League goal tally still stands at zero.
Hutchison, never one to mince words, made his feelings clear when he shared a video of Isak sitting on the bench during Liverpool’s loss to City. The pundit wrote, “Totally his own fault.
He should have been professional, done his pre-season properly with Newcastle. It was only ever going to be one of two outcomes he goes to Liverpool and is 100% fit, ready to play, or he stays at Newcastle and is ready to play.”
His message suggests that Isak’s decision to refuse training and force a move during pre-season may have backfired, leaving him physically underprepared for the challenges of the Premier League.
Liverpool fans expected Isak to fill the void in attack and provide the cutting edge needed in front of goal, but his early struggles have been a concern. Two and a half months into his Liverpool career, his confidence appears low, and his rhythm is clearly lacking. The timing couldn’t be worse, as Liverpool continue to push for domestic and European success.
The forward’s difficulties have extended to international duty with Sweden as well. Since joining Liverpool, Isak has featured in three matches for his national team all ending in defeat and without a single Swedish goal.
The slump has left Sweden’s World Cup qualification hopes hanging by a thread, with crucial fixtures against Switzerland and Slovenia looming large.
Despite the criticism, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has called for patience as the striker works toward full fitness and form. “Isak will train with the team again after three weeks out,” Slot told reporters. “I said before that his pre-season had ended, but I have to come back to those words.
If you’re only doing rehab for three weeks, you can’t expect to be at the same level as before. As much as our medical staff try to replicate real match conditions, nothing compares to competitive football. So again, we have to give him some time.”
Liverpool will host Nottingham Forest after the international break, and interestingly, Forest are the team against whom Isak boasts his best record six goals and two assists in just four Premier League meetings. That history could make the fixture the perfect opportunity for him to finally get his Liverpool career up and running.
While Isak got his wish to join one of England’s biggest clubs, his early months at Anfield serve as a reminder that transfers don’t guarantee instant success.
For now, all eyes are on whether the Swede can silence his critics and justify the enormous fee that made him the most expensive player in Premier League history.
