Alexander Isak will be Liverpool back up despite record-breaking transfer - Sky Sports pundit
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Credit: Imago/Hasan Karim - Breaking Media
Jack Heath
Wed 3 September 2025 13:24, UK
Alexander Isak has been tipped to be Liverpool’s back-up striker to Hugo Ekitike despite sealing a record-breaking £125million move.
Isak became the most expensive deadline day signing ever after sealing his huge move to Liverpool, breaking the British transfer record-fee.
The Swede had been adamant all summer that he would never play for Newcastle again and his strike paid off with Isak’s arrival forcing Arne Slot into a decision over Liverpool’s formation, sources have told Football Insider.
The excellence of fellow summer signing Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt has left question marks over whether the Reds number nine comes straight into the side, according to former Tottenham defender Michael Dawson.
Credit: Imago
Speaking on Sky Sports News (2 September) the ex-Nottingham Forest defender gave his honest thoughts on the stellar new arrival at Anfield.
Dawson felt that due to the prominence of Liverpool’s attacking front four, the Sweden international may initially struggle to force his way into the starting XI.
The player-turned-pundit said: “Ekitike started the season great and now you’re adding Isak to that and the question is ‘how do you get everyone in and Isak?’ For me, at this moment in time, he’s going to have to wait his turn.
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“You got [Mohamed] Salah, got Ekitike and you got [Cody] Gakpo, got to remember Isak hasn’t been training so he’s been on his own.
Three out of three for Liverpool, he’s going to have to wait his turn.
“He hasn’t been playing football, so I think Slot will certainly start [Isak] on the bench to start with.”
Football Insider verdict
Having not featured at all in Newcastle’s pre-season fixtures or the opening three Premier League games, questions will be asked over the ex-Borussia Dortmund forward’s match fitness.
It is one of the reasons why Slot may opt to ease his blockbuster signing into the side, especially considering the superb performances so far by Ekitike.
Crucially, Isak has been selected for Sweden’s World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo which will be an optimal time to see if the Scandinavian is ready to be thrown in immediately.
Alexander Isak 2024-25 all competitionsAppearances42Minutes played3,319Goals27Assists6(Source: Sofascore)
I would be surprised if the former Real Sociedad striker has not been training hard all summer, knowing there was a small chance of joining the Reds.
If he starts the next set of matches over the international break alongside Arsenal’s Viktor Gyokeres, then it will be a strong indication that he could start the next Premier League tie against Burnley.
Liverpool fans will definitely be paying more attention to Sweden’s World Cup preparation than they ever have done to see if their star attacker features.