Here's what Liverpool did before agreeing Alexander Isak deadline day deal

Liverpool have got a new No9. Alexander Isak completed his move from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day - costing the Reds a British record £125m.

It was a protracted transfer saga that left bad blood between the Swede and his employers. Isak was very determined to push through his dream move to Anfield - and effectively ended up on strike at St. James’ Park.

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The 25-year-old did not attend the club’s preseason Asian tour - and sat out the first three games of their Premier League season too.

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Concerns over Isak's fitness record

He even accused the Geordies of breaking certain promises - and eventually a deal was worked out between sporting director Richard Hughes and Newcastle’s Saudi owners.

Isak is now on board - although right now he is on international duty with Sweden. He was without a senior club game in over 100 days and much has been made over Isak’s fitness record in recent seasons.

The striker has missed plenty of football since joining Newcastle - owing to various hamstring, thigh and groin issues.

Isak sat out 18 matches in his first season in English football, 12 in his second and missed nine matches overall for Newcastle last term. But Liverpool are not worried about that injury record - and in fact are optimistic that they can get Isak even better.

That’s according to a new report in the Express - which claims that the record deal was signed off by Liverpool’s sports science department.

Liverpool confident of enhancing Isak's playing record

“There were initial worries about the Newcastle United striker's injury history, particularly given the record-breaking British fee required to prise him away from Tyneside,” the report reads.

“The Swedish international has been absent for 39 out of 114 matches – primarily due to groin issues – and missed over 200 training days during the same timeframe. However, following extensive discussions with the club's sports science team, the go-ahead was given for the summer's most significant and protracted transfer.

“It is understood that the team conducted a thorough investigation into Isak's injuries and assured manager Arne Slot and his coaching staff that they are confident of enhancing his playing record.

“Isak will be under close observation, with special training routines planned to minimise any further extended periods on the bench.”

Ekitike the ideal foil for Isak

It’s unclear what the initial plans for Isak will be - with Liverpool set to face Burnley next weekend. In the context of Isak’s fitness issues, it makes sense to have Hugo Ekitike also signed up.

The Frenchman will provide competition as well as a rotation option for Slot - and has already made a very solid start to life in Red.

The real genius in signing Ekitike was not taking an Isak replacement away from Newcastle - it was adding the ideal complementary striker to the Liverpool squad.

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