Alexander Isak delivers the RIGHT message to Arne Slot after £125m deadline day move

Liverpool boast the most expensive player in British football history.

Sporting director Richard Hughes paid £125m to Newcastle for forward Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day. But it’s fair to say the Premier League champions are still waiting to see the best of their new No9.

Isak has only been on the pitch eight times for Arne Slot’s side thus far - resulting in only one goal.

The 26-year-old was well short of match fitness when he swapped St. James’ Park for Anfield over the summer - requiring a mini-preseason to get him up to speed.

Isak admits Liverpool career has not been optimal

It was expected that Isak would be fully fit by the end of the October international break - but those plans went up in smoke when he was injured against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 22.

He hasn’t played for Liverpool since then - but is back on international duty this month for crisis-hit Sweden.

Isak played for half an hour from the bench in Graham Potter’s debut - a 4-1 trouncing by Switzerland over the weekend. After the game he was quizzed on his start to life at Anfield - and he admitted that all hasn’t gone to plan thus far.

“It's always frustrating when you're injured,” he told Aftonbladet.

“Regardless of whether it's one match or more. It's always worst for the player himself.

“It hasn't been optimal. But when I'm on the field, I don't give myself any excuses. I always want to play my game and perform. But yes, it's hard to be away and not be able to help and contribute. Now I'm back and I'm positive.”

Dealing with injury not easy says Isak

There is no doubt Liverpool’s season has suffered due to Isak’s injury trouble. He was expected to lead the line for Slot - and spearhead a Premier League title defence.

It’s not happened like that however and it will soon come time for the striker to demonstrate why the Merseysiders were persuaded to pay a record fee for his services.

“There's not much that's easy in football,” he said.

“But with experience you learn to deal with things. That's how it is with injuries and all that. You learn to deal with it and get back on track the right way.”

Isak ready to play properly

Sweden are back in action on Tuesday against Slovenia - and will have a World Cup playoff to look forward to courtesy of their UEFA Nations League performance.

Having featured from the bench on Saturday, Isak has now revealed that he should be ready for 90 minutes - in what should be a sign of things to come in Liverpool red.

“It was about half an hour,” he said of his appearance in Geneva.

“It felt okay. I feel like the reaction was good after the match in my body. Hopefully I can play properly in the next match.”

🔴 Shop the LFC 2025/26 adidas home range

👉🏻 Liverpool have a NEW right-back and he's the best in the world

👉🏻 Marc Guehi is COMING: Liverpool will agree deal to sign England star

👉🏻 Liverpool legend's son is now an elite centre-back