Alexander Isak’s move from Newcastle United to Liverpool was one of the most dramatic and expensive transfers in Premier League history, and months later, the story still feels unsettled.
His £130million switch made headlines around the world, breaking English football’s transfer record, but the reality that followed has been far from the fairytale Liverpool supporters expected. Instead of becoming an instant star at Anfield, Isak has found himself struggling for form, fitness, confidence, and connection in a team that has rapidly lost its way.
After scoring 27 goals for Newcastle last season including a memorable winner in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool Isak arrived on Merseyside with enormous expectations.
He was supposed to become the centrepiece of Arne Slot’s new era, the striker capable of transforming Liverpool’s attack. But almost halfway into the season, he has scored more times against Liverpool in his career than he has for them.
So far, there have been just two goals in 13 appearances: one in the Carabao Cup against Southampton and one league goal against West Ham.
The way his move unfolded has not helped him either. His refusal to play for Newcastle late in the summer was described internally as a strike, something Eddie Howe reluctantly confirmed.
By the time Liverpool completed the deal on deadline day, Isak was out of rhythm, short of fitness, and mentally exhausted. A groin injury only added to the slow start, leaving him battling to catch up in a team that itself has lost the consistency that defined its early season form.
Liverpool opened the campaign with seven straight wins, but since then have managed only four victories in 15 matches.
Their Premier League title defence is collapsing, they sit just one point above an inconsistent Newcastle, and remarkably, the Magpies are ahead of them in the Champions League table heading into the final round of group fixtures.
Isak’s latest appearance came off the bench against Leeds United, entering the match to boos from the home crowd and watching Liverpool throw away a 3-2 lead in stoppage time. Speaking before the game, he opened up to Sky Sports about the pressure, the slow start, and the weight of expectations that have followed him since the move. He didn’t hide from the fact that he hasn’t delivered.
“It’s not been easy,” Isak admitted. “We’ve not had the best results and of course I want more from myself. I expect a lot, even when I’m doing well, so of course this is difficult. But I’m trying to stay positive. It’s a good group and we’re trying to improve.”
He also made it clear he knows when he’s not performing. “No one needs to tell me. I always know myself when things aren’t going how they should,” he said.
When asked about his departure from Newcastle, Isak refused to dwell on it. “It’s in the past. My focus is here,” he said, distancing himself from the chaotic final weeks of his time on Tyneside.
Yet while Isak tries to settle, Liverpool are dealing with problems that extend far beyond one player. Florian Wirtz, signed for £116million, has yet to score in 19 matches. The team is struggling to create chances, to defend, and to control matches. The frustration boiled over this weekend when Mohamed Salah delivered a stunning public criticism of the club.
Salah, usually calm and diplomatic, said he felt “thrown under the bus” after being left on the bench for an entire match for the third time this season. He claimed promises made to him in the summer had been broken and that someone inside the club “wants him to take all the blame.” His relationship with Arne Slot, he insisted, has broken down completely.
Slot, meanwhile, has admitted publicly that Liverpool lack a right-winger with the profile of Jacob Murphy Isak’s former Newcastle teammate, with whom he shared one of the league’s most dangerous combinations last season. But despite saying this, Liverpool are not expected to move for Murphy, and for now, Slot is asking for patience with his new record signing.
“We signed him for six years, not three months,” Slot said. “We knew the first few months would be difficult. It’s not ideal, but this club doesn’t buy players for half a season.”
Isak has averaged just 14 touches per 90 minutes since arriving at Liverpool, a statistic that reflects not only his personal struggles but the wider problems of a team that has lost identity and balance. The hope inside Liverpool is that time, stability and form will eventually bring out the player who dazzled at Newcastle.
For now, though, both Isak and the club that fought so hard to sign him are feeling the weight of a move that has yet to show anything close to its true promise.
