Alexander Isak Drops Shocking Truth Bomb About His Liverpool Journey

Alexander Isak confessed that his beginning at Liverpool "has been far from ideal" throughout an injury-plagued period on Merseyside.

The costliest signing in British football history has failed to come close to warranting his £125 million ($164.4 million) transfer fee. Isak waited 16 days before making his Liverpool debut as Arne Slot carefully integrated the striker following summer preparations disrupted by an exhausting dispute with his former club, Newcastle United.

This careful approach proved wise. Isak has missed Liverpool's previous four matches due to a muscle problem sustained after featuring in two games within four days. Despite being available as a substitute against Manchester City last weekend and making an unremarkable appearance for Sweden on Saturday, Isak's fitness requires ongoing monitoring.

"It has been far from ideal," the 26-year-old frankly told Aftonbladet following another loss this campaign. Isak has featured 12 times for club and country in 2025–26, accumulating eight defeats and scoring just once.

"However, when I'm playing I don't make excuses for myself. I always aim to deliver my best performance," Isak added. "Still, it's difficult being sidelined and unable to assist the team."

Isak's fitness struggles shouldn't come as a shock. The Swedish forward missed 38 matches during his three seasons at Newcastle, equivalent to an entire Premier League season.

"Being injured is always disappointing. Whether it's one game or multiple matches. It's always hardest on the player," Isak reflected sadly.

"Nothing in football comes easily. But experience teaches you how to handle situations. That applies to injuries and everything else. You learn to cope and return properly."

Hugo Ekitike Living the Dream

While Isak has been recovering in the medical room, Liverpool's other summer striker signing—acquired for considerably less than Isak's massive fee—is fulfilling his childhood aspirations.

Hugo Ekitiké entered as a substitute for France on Thursday evening to net his debut senior international goal. "It's a dream from childhood," the excited 23-year-old told TF1.

"Whenever I receive playing time, I attempt to demonstrate my skills and show I'm ready to support the team... I'm delighted to be recognized." This sentiment applies equally to his Liverpool experience.

Ekitiké may have found it challenging like his teammates against Manchester City recently, but the dynamic Frenchman has made an encouraging start at Anfield, leading the team with six goals in all competitions.

Injuries and natural caution have restricted Ekitiké and Isak's shared playing time this season, but squad members believe the duo can develop an effective partnership.

"It's definitely possible," Ekitiké suggested during a conversation with Sky Sports News this month. "We must practice together, play together and things will improve.

"Sometimes you naturally connect with teammates and it flows easily, but other times it requires spending time on the field, understanding each other, learning preferences, running patterns, ball preferences, whether they like it played behind or want to link up play."

Ekitiké scored his first France goal from the left wing, cutting inside and linking with Kylian Mbappé, who operated as a mobile center forward—a role Isak would normally occupy for Liverpool.