Alexander Isak's Liverpool career can finally begin but Arne Slot's update needs a warning
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Alexander Isak's Liverpool Career Can Finally Begin but Arne Slot's Update Needs a Warning
Liverpool's record signing Alexander Isak is on the cusp of returning from a broken ankle, but manager Arne Slot's optimistic update comes with significant caveats amid a turbulent start at Anfield[1][4][6].
The £128 million British-record transfer from Newcastle in September 2025 was the summer's biggest saga. Isak, 26, forced a move after a training strike and public complaints about broken promises, signing a six-year deal ahead of the deadline. He arrived missing pre-season, underwent a medical, and expressed excitement about creating history and winning trophies in behind-the-scenes footage[2][3][5]. Liverpool, Premier League champions under Slot, had already splashed £100m-plus on Florian Wirtz, signaling bold ambition[2].
However, Isak's debut season has been a disappointment. In 16 appearances, he scored just three goals, appearing unfocused and lacking confidence after burning bridges at Newcastle. Critics like Jamie Carragher questioned the signing, arguing Liverpool typically buy the "next big thing," not established stars like Isak[4]. Eddie Howe praised him as an "extraordinary talent" Newcastle still misses[4].
Disaster struck on December 20, 2025, when Isak broke his ankle scoring against Tottenham, sidelining him for months[1][4]. Slot now expects a return by late March or early April 2026, potentially before season's end, allowing reintegration into the title-chasing squad[1][6]. Yet, with only sporadic play and a major injury, his Anfield career hasn't ignited as hoped. Liverpool view it long-term, but fans and pundits urge caution—will the Swede fulfill his promise, or was the blockbuster deal premature?[4]
Isak's journey from St. James' Park agitator to Merseyside's £128m hope hinges on this recovery. Slot's timeline offers optimism, but the warning is clear: expectations must be tempered for the former Newcastle talisman to truly begin[1][4].
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