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Former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has delivered a scathing verdict on Alexander Isak following his British-record transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool.
The striker sealed the $168 million (£125million) switch to Anfield on deadline day after months of speculation. Isak penned a six-year deal on Merseyside, although the Magpies had initially held out for over $200 million (£150million), but with Isak agitating for the move, the St James' Park hierarchy were compelled to return to negotiations and concluded the deal during the final weekend of the window.
The Sweden international has been absent from action since pre-season commenced, sitting out all of Newcastle's pre-season matches before his Anfield switch was rubber-stamped.
He is presently with the Sweden national team gearing up for encounters against Slovenia and Kosovo, and is participating in full training sessions.
Speaking on his co-hosted podcast, former Germany captain Kroos played down the importance of the transfer sum.
"I trust our listeners, but I'd say that roughly half of them have never even heard of Isak. Judge for yourselves. Seriously," he remarked (via Mundo Deportivo).
Kroos reinforced his stance, adding: "Yes. It's a lot of money, without a doubt."
Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson has suggested Isak will not be risked for the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia as he looks to build up his match fitness.
"I saw him smiling, have you seen his face? He is so happy to be here, he is so happy to play, so I think that tells you a lot. He really likes being in a group.
"Of course his form is what I said the other day, normally in pre-season you play plenty of games, plenty of training but that is not the case. So is he able to play 90 minutes? Of course not.
"Are we going to do stupid things with Alex? No, we are not going to do stupid things with Alex. So we, of course, have a plan but he is smiling and he is happy to be here.
"No instruction (from Liverpool), we always have good connections with a lot of clubs, I have spoken to the manager. Our doctor has spoken to their doctor.
"Our physio Ben (Rosen) has spoken to their physio and the physical department at Liverpool. And normal communication we have with each club, it is quite honest."
Isak is anticipated to make his Liverpool bow following the international hiatus, when the Reds travel to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday, September 14.
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