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Alexander Isak’s early days at Liverpool have sparked debate, with the striker already drawing an unfavourable transfer comparison.
Isak completed a record-breaking switch from Newcastle to Liverpool on deadline day in September, but the 26-year-old has struggled to find rhythm, scoring just once in eight appearances. His adjustment has been hampered by fitness setbacks and the lingering impact of a disrupted preseason, during which he effectively downed tools to force an exit from St. James’ Park.
Having trained alone and missed Newcastle’s summer friendlies and early league fixtures, he arrived at Anfield short of sharpness, leaving both Liverpool and Sweden to carefully manage his minutes.
His progress stalled again when he was withdrawn at half-time in last month’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Former Manchester United and Scotland midfielder Gordon Strachan believes what Isak did emulated Alexis Sanchez, who forced a move from Arsenal to Old Trafford in 2018 and struggled.
"First of all, Liverpool couldn't sign Marc Guehi because Crystal Palace wouldn't let him go" said Strachan. I" have huge admiration for Guehi for doing what he's meant to do, being a good pro and getting on with it. That might have affected Alexander Isak.
“He's come along, he's been great at Newcastle. But when you start to do things that he was doing, it's hard to shake off that negativity around your move and what you've done.
"When you've had no training and your mind hasn't been on football for months, it's hard to just pick it back up.
"Remember Alexis Sanchez? He pushed to leave Arsenal. He went to Manchester United and bombed."
Speaking to Boyle Sports, who offers Premier League betting, Strachan added: “It's very hard to get that mindset because you know at that point, once you do what you're doing in desperation and the whole football world thinks you’re a bad pro and it's hard to shake that off.
“I think he's still suffering from the way the transfer was handled. So I don't think that's helped Liverpool either.”
After sitting out four games, Isak was back in Liverpool’s matchday squad as an unused substitute during the Reds’ 3-0 loss to Manchester City before the November international break.
He later featured for Sweden, coming off the bench in their 4-1 defeat to Switzerland, but was kept on the sidelines against Slovenia to prevent any suspension risk.
Liverpool.com says: Comparing Isak’s move to Alexis Sanchez’s ill-fated transfer feels harsh. Both arrived amid huge expectations, only to struggle for rhythm and fitness from day one. Still, Isak’s situation seems more circumstantial than terminal. Supporters know his ability and don't seem to be concerned.
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