Alan Shearer delivers blunt Alexander Isak verdict and makes Arne Slot Liverpool job prediction
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Alan Shearer has been discussing Alexander Isak's move from Newcastle United to Liverpool and the future of Arne SlotPremier League legend Alan Shearer believes Alexander Isak's British transfer record £125m move from Newcastle United to Liverpool has not worked out for any of the parties involved.The Sweden international's mega money switch to the defending Premier League champions eventually went through on transfer deadline day in September.Isak had pushed for the move all summer, resulting him missing the vast majority of pre-season with Newcastle, who had rejected Liverpool's initial offer of £110m.But while the 26-year-old ultimately got what he wanted, his lack of match fitness and sharpness resulted in him scoring just two goals in his first 15 appearances for the Reds.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE! All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageHe then produced a fine finish - reminiscent of the ones for the Magpies - to break the deadlock in the 2-1 triumph at Tottenham Hotspur on December 20.But in the same act Isak suffered a serious leg injury that ruled him out until the start of this month.The striker has failed to find the net in his first four appearances since returning to full fitness and, given the nature of the injury he sustained following a challenge from Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, he has understandably shown signs of rustiness.But Shearer wonders whether Isak will ever be the same player as he was on Tyneside, where he scored 62 goals in 109 appearances.And he also admits that his former club's attempts to replace the Swede - with the £69m Nick Woltemade and £50m Yoane Wissa - have also faltered."The Isak transfer has been disastrous for Newcastle, Liverpool, and himself," said Shearer, who fired in 206 goals in 405 games for the Magpies."It really has not worked for any party.
The money they paid out for him was a good fee that Newcastle got, but it just hasn't worked for all three parties."I do not know the extent of how his injury has affected him or how much it has hurt him mentally this year."He looks like he will be fit for the World Cup with Sweden, and on paper, their forward line of (Viktor) Gyokeres, (Anthony) Elanga, Isak and (Dejan) Kulusevski looks decent."But until we know where he is mentally and physically, it is a hard question to answer whether he will be ever be as good as he was at Newcastle. It's a lot to take on, what's happened to him this season."Isak played 72 minutes as the Reds won last Sunday's first-ever Merseyside derby against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium 2-1 thanks to a dramatic late header from captain Virgil van Dijk.This Saturday they host bogey-side Crystal Palace, who have beat them three times this season.But should they end that run against the Eagles and emerge triumphant, it would move Liverpool eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion in the battle to secure a top-five finish and Champions League football.That is the minimum objective for the Reds after a difficult campaign and, should they achieve it, it is widely expected that head coach Arne Slot, who led the club to title glory in his first season in charge, would remain in the Anfield hotseat.And Shearer, speaking to Betfair, said: "There is no doubt Liverpool have had a poor season by their own standards, falling so far behind Arsenal and Manchester City.
The Isak situation is clear for everyone; I know he's had injuries, but even when he's played, he's been poor. (Milos) Kerkez hasn't had a great season, nor has (Florian) Wirtz, nor has (Jeremie) Frimpong."The only one who really has had a good season is (Hugo) Ekitike and now he's out long-term as well.