Alexander Isak is yet to justify his £125million transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool.
The 25-year-old was the talk of the footballing world over the summer, downing tools at Newcastle United to force through a move to Liverpool.
His actions got him what he wanted, with Isak joining Liverpool on transfer deadline day for a British record fee of £125million.
Since then, he has scored just one goal for his new club. He has struggled at international level too, with Isak unable to inspire Sweden in their most recent World Cup qualifier.
Nothing is going to plan for Isak, who is yet to hit full fitness after choosing not to train with the rest of the Newcastle United squad during pre-season.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty ImagesAlexander Isak’s only focus was joining Liverpool during Newcastle United strike
Isak’s decision not to fully engage in pre-season training is backfiring, but that seemingly was not on his list of concerns during a summer in which he tarnished his legacy at St James’ Park.
In a new report from the Telegraph, they state that people within Newcastle United noted that ‘nothing else seemed to matter’ to Isak as he did whatever he could to force through a move to Liverpool.
His actions had the desired effect, as he sealed a mega-money move to Anfield. In that respect, he will feel justified.
However, the way he went about things has only hindered his start to life as Liverpool’s most expensive signing. It is also hurting his country, with Sweden at risk of not qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Had Isak trained properly with Newcastle over the summer, he would likely already have plenty of goals to his name this season. However, the caveat is that it might not have been for Liverpool, as playing nicely may have not got him what he wanted.
Isak’s sole focus was to join Liverpool by any means necessary. He got what he wanted, but it has been to the detriment of his own performances.
When will Alexander Isak play against Newcastle United?
Since the beginning of the 2025/26 season, Newcastle fans have regularly sung about Isak. They voiced their displeasure when he was at the club but on strike, and that displeasure only grew louder following confirmation of his move to Liverpool.
Isak will be berated with incredible boos when he plays against Newcastle United, but that will not be for a while.
Newcastle are currently scheduled to play against Arne Slot’s side at Anfield in the Premier League on 31st January.
The two sides have already met at St James’ Park this season, with the Reds winning 3-2 in dramatic fashion back in August.
At the time, Isak’s future was unclear. He was a Newcastle player but wanted to be in the Liverpool squad, which resulted in him sitting at home.
Next time Newcastle face Liverpool, there will be nowhere to hide for British football’s most expensive player ever.