After a difficult start in a Liverpool shirt, Swedish striker Alexander Isak has spoken out, expressing his regret at scoring only one goal since his huge £130 million transfer at the end of the summer transfer window.
Amidst his declining form and recurring injuries, the player admitted that the past few weeks have not gone as he had hoped, stressing that he is not making excuses, despite the difficult circumstances he has faced.
He added: “When I’m on the pitch, I don’t allow myself any excuses. I always want to play my best and deliver the performance expected. It’s hard to be absent and unable to help, but I’m back now, and I’m optimistic.”
Isak came on as a substitute, after recovering from a thigh injury, during Sweden’s 4-1 defeat to Switzerland on Saturday, but he failed to register a shot on target.
Isak has been sidelined since October 22 due to injury and is still not ready to start matches regularly.
A Lackluster Start
The Swedish striker has failed to make a strong start with Liverpool, having spent most of the summer training alone, trying to pressure the Newcastle management to allow him to move to Anfield.
His only goal so far came in a match against Southampton, bottom of the Championship, in the Carabao Cup, although he still believes in his ability to change the situation.
Isak said: “Nothing is easy in football. With experience, you learn how to deal with things, whether it’s injuries or anything else. You learn how to get back on track. An injury is always frustrating, whether it’s for one game or more. It’s always the worst for the player himself.”
Isak received moral support from his Swedish teammate, Anthony Elanga, who joined Newcastle last summer.
Elanga said: “We know Alex’s quality, and it’s all about trusting him and giving him full faith. He’s a great player. You don’t get that amount, and you don’t move to a club like Liverpool, if you’re not good. You just have to give him time.”
Although Isak’s departure from Newcastle came shortly after Elanga’s arrival, the latter confirmed that he did not feel any resentment about it, adding: “No, that’s not true. All he said to me was well done, and I wish you all the best.”
A Distinguished Career
“Alexander Isak” is a Swedish striker born on September 21, 1999, in the Swedish city of Solna. He is considered one of the most prominent talents in European football in recent years, known for his towering height, speed, dribbling ability, scoring prowess, and intelligent movement inside the penalty area.
His origins trace back to Eritrea, and he is known for his extreme humility off the field and discipline on it.
Isak began his career in the academy of Swedish club AIK, before being promoted to the first team in the 2015-2016 season. He made a strong start, becoming the youngest player to score a goal for the club. His talent caught the eye of scouts from major clubs after a brilliant season, and he later became the youngest player to score for the Swedish national team as well.
In January 2017, the young striker moved to Borussia Dortmund in Germany, in a deal that sparked much controversy and expectation. However, he found it difficult to secure a regular place in the lineup due to competition with big stars, so his appearances were limited, but he used the period to develop his physical and technical skills.
During a loan spell at Dutch club Willem II Tilburg in the 2018-2019 season, Isak excelled in scoring, netting 12 goals in his first 12 league games. He became the first player to score three penalties in a single Dutch league match.
Stardom at Real Sociedad
After that, “Alexander Isak” moved to Spain, where he played for Real Sociedad in 2019, starting a new chapter of brilliance, scoring 33 goals in 105 La Liga matches, and winning the Copa del Rey in the 2019-2020 season.
Isak scored his first hat-trick in La Liga against Deportivo Alavés, becoming the first Swedish player to achieve this feat since 1949, and proved himself as a versatile striker, whether as a station for his teammates, or as a dynamic striker moving between the lines.
In August 2022, Isak moved to Newcastle United in a record deal, and quickly became the team’s star player. During the 2023-2024 season, “Alexander Isak” scored 21 goals in the Premier League, surpassing “Ibrahimovic” as the highest-scoring Swedish player in a single season in the English Premier League. He also won the English League Cup with his former team last season.
In the summer of 2025, the Swedish international signed with Liverpool in a deal reaching £130 million, becoming the most expensive player in the history of the historic club, but he has not yet gelled with the Reds and delivered his usual performance.
