A Record-Breaking Signing Off to a Difficult Start

The arrival of Alexander Isak was one of the biggest stories of the summer. After weeks of tension, rejected bids and the striker’s firm desire to leave Newcastle United, Liverpool decided to go all-in. The club paid close to £150 million, making him the most expensive signing in Premier League history and the face of a new project under Arne Slot.

A transfer of that magnitude demands immediate impact, but the reality has been very different. Liverpool’s new system still hasn’t clicked, several departures have weakened key areas, and Isak —who did not complete preseason— was thrown straight into a demanding rhythm. A muscular setback only added to the instability, and the background noise surrounding his performances has grown louder. The situation escalated to the point where he reportedly had to hire extra security due to threats received online.

A Painful Return and a Night to Forget

After being sidelined since October 22 because of adductor problems, Isak returned in Liverpool’s painful 0–3 home defeat to Nottingham Forest. The performance triggered a wave of criticism: he touched the ball just 15 times, only twice inside the opponent’s box, missed his lone shot, completed zero dribbles, and connected only 6 of 8 passes. He also lost all seven duels he contested.

Slot replaced him in the 68th minute — a decision the British press described as “doing him a favor.” To make matters worse, Isak has become the first player in Liverpool history to lose his first four Premier League starts. With 0 goals in 5 league games, he is far from the 23 goals in 34 matches that earned him this blockbuster move.

A Tough Moment, but Not a Dead End

Despite the turbulence, Liverpool still believes in the long-term potential of Isak. His career shows a clear pattern: at both Real Sociedad and Newcastle, his second seasons were significantly better than his first, often doubling his output. His talent remains undeniable — what’s missing is rhythm, adaptation and confidence.

The pressure is heavy, the expectations massive, and the spotlight unforgiving. But the season is long, and Isak has built a reputation for slow starts followed by explosive growth. Liverpool can only hope history repeats itself… before the storm grows even stronger.