Alexander Isak, the blockbuster signing worth 125 million pounds from Newcastle United, is becoming a major issue for Liverpool. Just a few months after joining Anfield, the Swedish striker has caused concern for the board and fans with his declining form, injuries, and difficult integration into Arne Slot’s system. With a record-breaking transfer fee in England, Isak is not just a player – he is a symbol of the risks involved in expensive deals, where data and analysis may not be enough to guarantee success.
The record-breaking contract and high expectations
Isak’s transfer took place on the final day of the 2025 summer transfer window, after he refused to train with Newcastle due to “broken promises.” Liverpool, under the guidance of directors Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, had been tracking Isak for a long time before winning the Premier League in April 2025. They saw him as the centerpiece of their squad rebuilding plan, alongside Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. Analytical data showed that Isak, at age 26 and entering his prime, would fit perfectly into Liverpool’s passing and movement style – superior to Darwin Nunez before him.
However, reality has been harsh. Isak arrived at Anfield without full physical preparation, missing the entire pre-season. This directly impacted his form, turning the 125 million pound contract (equivalent to 163.7 million USD) into a psychological burden. Compared to past failed transfers like Stan Collymore (8.5 million pounds in 1995), Fernando Torres (50 million pounds to Chelsea), Paul Pogba (90 million pounds back to Manchester United), or Jack Grealish (100 million pounds to Manchester City), Isak is repeating a familiar script: the pressure from the enormous price tag makes it hard for players to shine immediately.
Declining form and disastrous matches
Since joining, Isak has only scored one goal in the English League Cup match against Southampton. In his first four Premier League starts, Liverpool lost all of them – a sad record that hasn’t happened to a Liverpool player since 1906. The peak was the 0-3 defeat to Nottingham Forest last weekend, where Isak only touched the ball 15 times before being substituted at halftime.
Match analysis shows Isak had some positive moments, like in the 17th minute when he dropped deep to receive the ball and surged forward to meet a pass from Mohamed Salah, or in the 24th minute when he beat Nikola Milenkovic and delivered a dangerous cross. However, for most of the time, he lacked sharpness and confidence. A difficult volley from Salah’s pass in the 64th minute was mishandled by him, and he was often not in the ideal position to receive the ball. Teammates like Virgil van Dijk and Dominik Szoboszlai showed frustration with the lack of movement from the forward line, including Isak.
Compared to Ekitike, who started strongly with 5 goals in 8 matches but then only scored 1 in the next 9, Isak is even worse. Both have similar styles – speed, intelligent movement, and goal threat – but signing both without intending to use them together raises questions about Liverpool’s strategy.
Injuries, fitness, and external factors
In October 2025, Isak suffered a hamstring injury while playing for the Swedish national team, limiting him to just 29 minutes since then. This has complicated the situation further, as Liverpool is in a crisis period: losing 6 of their last 7 Premier League matches, shattering their title defense. The sudden death of Diogo Jota in September 2025 forced Liverpool to add two number 9 strikers, but the overall team instability – from tactical structure to confidence – is hindering Isak’s integration.
Manager Arne Slot admitted: “I know that a 100% fit Alexander Isak would be a huge asset. But to get him there, he might need minutes that could arguably go to another player who’s ahead in match fitness.” Slot is trying to balance Isak’s individual benefits with the team’s, but starting him against Forest seems like a mistaken decision.
The risks of expensive contracts
Isak signed until 2031, so his performance needs to be evaluated long-term, not just in the first eight matches. However, in Liverpool’s struggling context, his sluggishness is becoming a big problem. As Stan Collymore once said about himself: “I don’t know any other industry that spends 8.5 million pounds on anything without a day-one plan on how to use it.”
With 125 million reasons – precisely the transfer fee – Isak is testing Liverpool’s patience. If he doesn’t improve soon, this contract could become one of the most expensive mistakes in the club’s history. Fans are waiting to see if Isak can turn things around, or if he’ll be the next example that money doesn’t always buy success.