Gary Neville's Alexander Isak prediction failing to come true as record signing faces crunch period

Liverpool forward Alexander Isak has not gotten going yet since his $169 million (£125 million) deadline day transfer from Newcastle United, which left Gary Neville fearful

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

So far in a Liverpool jersey, Alexander Isak has scored just one Premier League goal since his $169 million (£125 million) deadline day transfer from Newcastle United.

But with Mohamed Salah now at AFCON, there could be a chance for the Liverpool number nine to play a more central role in the coming weeks as he faces a crucial period in the early part of his Anfield career.

Isak still needs to gain sharpness and get up to speed with the demands of playing for Arne Slot's team, but the Swede's quality is undeniable. As Gary Neville said in the summer, he should be a perfect signing — and that is still the case.

"If Isak comes in, they're going to score an absolute bucket load of goals," Neville said on his Sky Sports podcast at the end of August.

"The two games they've just played — they have a right battle at St James' Park and to come out of there with a victory was incredible.

"To [win against Arsenal], that must give them massive confidence. If they can get Isak and [Marc] Guehi through the door, they're two starting players.

MILAN, ITALY - DECEMBER 09: Alexander Isak of Liverpool FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Ciancaphoto Studio/Getty Images)(Image: Getty Images)

"Isak is one of the top center-forwards in the world. He's a real player. He's the one player I've seen give [William] Saliba and Gabriel and Virgil van Dijk a real hard time over the last couple of seasons.

"He's really caused them problems. He's a different-level player. Isak coming into that team today, with Guehi coming in as well.

"For Liverpool to be on nine points with the two games they've had and think those two could be entering the building off the back end of the international break, they'll be absolutely buzzing and confident as hell."

Guehi, of course, remained at Crystal Palace and that deal fell through late in the day. Liverpool could return for the England ace in 2026, but that might have to wait until the summer when he is available for nothing.

As for Liverpool generally, the goals have not flowed yet for Isak or the team. Four sides, including Manchester United, have scored more so far in the Premier League.

With Salah out for a month or so, though, and easier games, on paper at least, coming up, Slot could field Isak alongside Hugo Ekitike. The Frenchman has been the better of the two so far since they arrived, though they could work together nicely as a duo.

Liverpool.com says: Isak will come good with the Reds, but it will be frustrating for everyone that it is taking so much time. As a Premier League-proven player, the hope would have been that he could hit the ground running.