The Most Expensive… and Most Criticized Signing

What was supposed to be a success story is quickly turning into a nightmare. Alexander Isak, the most expensive signing in Premier League history at €150 million, has yet to find his rhythm at Liverpool. The Swede, who arrived from Newcastle United as a supposed superstar, has only one goal and one assist in seven games, far from the form that made him shine at St. James’ Park.

The English Clasico against Manchester United was the breaking point. In Liverpool’s 1–2 defeat, Isak was invisible once again and was subbed off after 72 minutes without a single key contribution. Fans are growing frustrated, and social media hasn’t been kind: “Harry Maguire has scored more goals at Anfield than Isak”, read one of the most viral posts after the match — a painful comparison for the €150 million man.

From Star Signing to Warning Sign

Isak’s poor form is worrying everyone, including manager Arne Slot, who defended him publicly: “He missed preseason, so we need to build him up slowly. We signed him for six years, not six weeks.” Still, excuses are starting to wear thin.

The Swede has played 385 minutes with just five starts, looking out of rhythm, wasteful in front of goal, and lacking confidence. His disrupted summer — after forcing his exit from Newcastle — seems to be catching up with him. Meanwhile, his replacement at St. James’ Park, Nick Woltemade, has already scored five goals in eight games, intensifying comparisons.

A Costly Investment Under Pressure

Liverpool is enduring a rough patch, with four consecutive losses (against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, Chelsea, and Manchester United), despite spending over €500 million in the last transfer window.

The pressure on Isak grows with every match. In England, many are questioning whether the club made a mistake investing so heavily in a player who, so far, hasn’t delivered anything close to the world-class forward who once dazzled at Newcastle.

Only time — and goals — will tell if this rough start is just a stumble… or the beginning of a €150 million nightmare.