Liverpool star could have joined Barcelona if they followed advice from former striker

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Alexander Isak’s arrival at Liverpool was one of the biggest stories of the summer, but fans have not seen much from him yet.After refusing to play for Newcastle in pre-season, Isak has had to settle in gradually at Liverpool, and it has shown in his early performances.Still, there is a sense among supporters that it will not be long before he finds his stride.From his perspective, there should not be any rush. His determination to push through the move is already something fans appreciate.Back when he was playing for Newcastle, Isak could have chosen nearly any team in the world.

And as it happens, one of the top European clubs passed on him after getting a tip-off in 2020.Henrik Larsson once pushed Barcelona to sign Alexander IsakPhoto by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty ImagesIsak joins a lineage of formidable Swedish strikers, a tradition that includes Henrik Larsson, who drew attention in the 1990s and 2000s.Larsson had a great stint at Barcelona, where he won the Champions League and played a crucial role in their 2006 final victory over Arsenal.During his time back at the Camp Nou in 2020, as part of Ronald Koeman’s coaching team, the Swede says he put Isak’s name forward while the club was looking for a new striker.Speaking about Isak to Flashcore, Larsson said: “It is not for me to give him advice. He’s been a talent since he was 15.“Playing at Newcastle is not easy, and he did it fantastically well.

Now he’s going to Liverpool – it’s just the next step.“I told (Barcelona) about him when I was there (as a coach). He was one of them, and I actually also had Lewandowski on it.”Swedish fans tuning in to watch Isak at LiverpoolIsak is just the second Swedish player to represent the Reds, and the first in over three decades.Larsson has said that having one of Sweden’s top players in the squad has boosted interest in Liverpool across his home country.“I see the results (of Liverpool), and obviously, we have Alexander Isak there as well, so there’s a lot of interest from the Swedish channels that show the Premier League.”READ MORE: David Ornstein outlines when Alisson Becker may be back for Liverpool after injury updateWith Isak expected to join up with the national team again in October, he will be looking to help Sweden qualify for next summer’s World Cup.Barcelona’s decision not to act on Larsson’s advice about Isak ended up benefiting Newcastle.