Alexander Isak: The saga which damaged two seasons
One of the many reasons why Isak tried so hard to leave Newcastle was because he was determined to win the biggest prizes in the game.
Isak looked well placed to quickly realize that ambition at then-Premier League champions Liverpool.
Liverpool were widely seen as favorites for another title after landing Isak, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and others in a bumper summer transfer window.
But Arne Slot’s sacking at the end of the 2025-26 season spoke volumes about how successful Liverpool’s defense of the cup was.
Liverpool may have “won” the transfer window, as many in the game felt at the time, but they finished a disappointing fifth, 25 points behind champions Arsenal.
After a chaotic summer in which he went on strike and suffered a series of injuries in pursuit of a record move to England, Isak suffered his worst goalscoring season since the 2017-18 season, when he made just 12 appearances for Borussia Dortmund.
It will now be up to a new manager to get the striker firing again. Liverpool have started official talks with former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
Those at the club believe the 2025-26 season is a freak season for Isak, who has played just 21% of total minutes for Liverpool in the Premier League.
Isak suffered serious ankle and fibula fractures in December and Liverpool were unwilling to risk him in the final stages of the season when he had minor concerns.
They are confident that the Sweden international will excel when fit, as he did for his country in the 3-1 defeat against Norway on Monday night.
Isak wants the players around him to create more, but he also needs to be more involved in the games.
For example, in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris St-Germain at Anfield, Isak could only make five touches in 45 minutes.
Isak lives a quiet life and of course suffers from not being able to play, but he is also aware of the expectation of him to make it to the World Cup and next season.
