Arne Slot backs Alexander Isak following the transfer saga (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool were on the moon with their approximately £446m spend in the summer transfer window. Despite their incoming cost, Arsenal beat them in net spending due to the lack of outgoing income at the Emirates.
The star of the show was Alexander Isak, who, after rising at Newcastle United, made waves through the Premier League. The Reds spent £125m for the signature of the player.
It was not easy, though, as the Magpies knew the worth of the gem that they possessed. Although not being happy with the decisions at St. James Park, Isak had his own strategy to play, which raised questions regarding ethical underpinnings.
The Swedish striker didn’t participate in the Tyneside club’s pre-season tour, nor did he show up for training. This created immense tension between the Swede and the club.
Isak gave the Tynesiders two options: either they fulfil their promises or let him leave for Liverpool. Former owner Amanda Staveley had promised a pay raise, claims the 25-year-old striker.
Unfortunately, after changes in ownership, the promise left St. James Park with Staveley and Isak was left disappointed. However, there were also potential underpinnings in his decision to move to Anfield.
Liverpool have proved to be bigger title contenders time and time again, and Newcastle United, on the other hand, are still in a very nascent stage of a boom despite winning the EFL Cup last season.
Quiz: Name the team Liverpool signed these players from in the 2010s
Arne Slot supports Alexander Isak in his Anfield move
Despite the outrage by Newcastle United fans and the wider footballing community, Arne Slot stayed firm by backing Isak’s way of doing business.
“In football, there’s always criticism. Sometimes people cheer for you. After he won the League Cup, everyone was really happy with him. In other moments, you get criticised. Now he’s a player for us, and I’m really happy with that”, Slot told the media.
The Swedish international teammate, Viktor Gyökeres, had also backed the player on similar grounds, claiming the situation would be wildly different if the roles were reversed.
The Reds gaffer also praised Swedish coach John Dahl Tomasson for his treatment of Alexander Isak during the international break, considering the player had been away from competitive football for months.
“The Swedish manager deserves a big, big compliment because he gets maybe the best striker in the world, and he needs to play two very important games for his country but understands that if he would play him twice for 90 minutes, then the player would be injured for multiple weeks and that is not always easy for a manager that he takes care of the interest of a player”, said the Dutch manager.
About the Author
