Jamie Carragher hopes familiar Liverpool history doesn't repeat itself for Alexander Isak

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Alexander Isak has endured a difficult debut season at Liverpool following his move from Newcastle, and Jamie Carragher has raised concerns about whether the record signing can turn things around

(Image: Sky Sports Premier League)

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has raised doubts over whether Alexander Isak will prove worth his hefty transfer fee at Anfield. The Premier League's most expensive ever acquisition has endured a torrid first season on Merseyside since his move from Newcastle last summer.

The 26 year old Isak scored his fourth goal for the Reds in Saturday's 3-1 home triumph over Crystal Palace. His outing against the Eagles marked his third starting appearance since recovering from the leg fracture he suffered against Tottenham in December.

However, there remains substantial ground to cover before the Swedish forward can be considered to have justified his eye-watering transfer sum. Carragher has expressed significant reservations, noting that in his time at the club, no player who struggled initially went on to succeed at Liverpool.

"[The big-spending summer] hasn't worked," he told the Liverpool Echo. "It might work in the future because I don't think you can judge every signing in the first year.

"But I've said this before; my experience as a Liverpool player, every player who came to the club, I can't remember one who didn't really do much in his first season, and then was a revelation afterwards. Isak hasn't got going. He obviously got the injury, but he didn't look great to start with."

Isak's circumstances are particularly complex, with multiple elements requiring consideration. Arne Slot's side were managing a transitional phase following their Premier League victory last season, and absorbing a wealth of new signings has brought its own challenges.

The striker's leg problem in late 2026 further hampered his opportunities, effectively writing off this season as the team faltered even more in his absence. Given these circumstances, Champions League winner Carragher shared his perspective on the necessary steps for mounting a fresh title bid this summer.

"In terms of what Liverpool need to do next season, well obviously they need to replace [Mohamed] Salah," he added. "I think for me, three players need to come straight into the team."

Alexander Isak of Liverpool(Image: Michael Regan - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)

"You can't go on and buy five players into the team. Liverpool bought a lot of players last summer, so they are not going to buy a load this summer."

The waning performances of Salah and, at times, Virgil van Dijk, alongside Alisson's injury concerns, have occasionally hindered Liverpool's progress. These three figures have been so instrumental to the Reds' recent achievements that it's understandable the squad would struggle when they're either underperforming or sidelined.

Yet it is difficult to blame supporters for feeling that such an excuse only goes so far, given a £446m summer spending spree. And while Isak may be granted some understanding for his underwhelming first season, Liverpool risk presiding over the most humiliating flop signing in Premier League history unless there is a remarkable turnaround next campaign.