Alexander Isak makes honest admission and explains why he picked Liverpool transfer

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has insisted this is not the only period in which he has struggled, with the Reds' record signing still stuck on one Premier League goal

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak is determined to be a success on Merseyside(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

Alexander Isak has pledged to "fight" his way back to the form that earned him a $169 million (£125 million) move to Liverpool at the beginning of September.

The most expensive soccer player in British history insists he is not currently experiencing the most challenging period of his career, though he is unsure why things have been "slow". Instead, he is hopeful that better things could be just around the corner.

Isak arrived on Merseyside following a protracted summer saga that saw him boycott Newcastle's pre-season tour of the Far East before training independently at his former club Real Sociedad's facilities without manager Eddie Howe's approval.

The striker was completely absent from Newcastle's pre-season preparations due to his bitter departure from the North East. This meant he wasn't at full fitness when he completed his record-breaking transfer to Anfield on deadline day.

The 26-year-old, who also sustained a groin problem in October that kept him out for a month, has managed just one Premier League goal for Liverpool — in the 2-0 victory over West Ham in late November — and appears a shadow of the player who netted 23 times last season for Newcastle.

Despite his struggles, Isak was honored with the 2025 Guldbollen in Sweden for his performances across the calendar year, and speaking to Sportbladet in his homeland, he has vowed to return to the level that established him as one of the Premier League's most feared marksmen before his summer transfer.

Isak continues to struggle despite Liverpool's recent upturn in results

"[Liverpool's interest] was the most interesting thing for me," Isak said. "I felt quite early on that this was where I wanted to go. An overall picture. The club's history, where the club is today and the next step it will take.

"I don't really have the answer to that (why it's been slow). The team — of course it has been slow, but that's how it is in football. There are always teams that fly, and then it goes slower for others. It is important to turn it around.

"And for my part too, it's not the first time in my career that I've gone through a period like this, or I'm in bad shape. That's how a football career works, it's just something you have to fight your way out of."

Isak added: "I don't know [what period has been toughest so far]. I wouldn't pick any one, it's all experience. Good, bad.

"And I've had tougher periods in every team I've been in, except for the loan in Holland (Willem II). In Dortmund, in Spain, in Newcastle and here.

"I'm not too focused on just that, on where it's been the toughest. I see it as experiences that hopefully make me come out on the other side as a better person and player.

"We football players live in a different world than on the outside. We don't reflect so much, we don't judge so much.

"I don't judge so much during the season, that also applies when everything is flowing. It's about evaluating after the season, there's no need to think so much in the meantime.

"I want to be able to look back on my football career and be proud of what I have achieved. Not only on the pitch, but experiences from the countries I have played in."

Isak could be in the starting line-up when Liverpool takes on Tottenham in the Premier League on Saturday. The Reds will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games across all competitions.