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Jamie Carragher has hinted that Liverpool might not have chased Alexander Isak in previous transfer windows.
The Reds broke the Premier League transfer record to secure the Swedish international after a drawn-out saga on deadline day, with Isak making a £125 million ($164.3 million) move from Newcastle to Anfield.
The 26-year-old forward effectively staged a strike at St. James' Park throughout pre-season in a bid to force his exit, training solo and not featuring in any of Newcastle's summer friendlies or opening Premier League matches. Isak, who has missed Liverpool's last three matches due to a groin injury, has had a slow start at Anfield, having to play catch-up following his disrupted preseason.
To date, the striker has made eight appearances for the Reds, contributing a goal and an assist, but he is yet to score in the Premier League for Arne Slot's team.
While Isak has yet to live up to his hefty price tag at Liverpool, fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike has emerged as one of the standout performers for the Reds this season.
The French international has scored six goals and provided an assist in 14 appearances since his own move from Eintracht Frankfurt, joining Liverpool in a deal potentially worth up to £79 million ($103.8 million).
The 23-year-old has started 10 fixtures, though he did lose his place in the starting XI to Isak for Liverpool's Premier League clashes against Chelsea and Manchester United, before regaining his spot in Slot's first team.
Both players joined Anfield as part of a significant summer recruitment drive, which saw Liverpool complete eight new senior acquisitions in what became a club-record transfer window.
Such intense transfer activity has been atypical for Liverpool, a club that has historically favored strengthening its squad with just one or two meticulously chosen additions per window.
Former Reds defender Carragher has indicated the club would not have pursued both Isak and Ekitike in previous years, agreeing with a social media observation to that effect.
The Liverpool legend replied to a post from EBL on X, which stated: "Liverpool of the past only sign Ekitike, not Isak.
"He profiles as someone who can become as good as Isak whilst being a similar profile for half the price, except maybe that has happened quicker than expected. Causes selection issues with two special #9's at Slot's disposal."
Carragher's reply was brief: "My point all summer!"
Slot has only paired Isak and Ekitike as a striking duo once this season - during Liverpool's dominant 5-1 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt last month. Mohamed Salah was rested as the Dutch manager altered to a 4-4-2 formation to include both forwards, but the Swedish striker had to be replaced at half-time due to a groin issue.
Ekitike is anticipated to lead the offensive line against Real Madrid on Tuesday after Isak missed Saturday's win over Aston Villa, with Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz offering additional attacking alternatives.
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