Alexander Isak transferred to Liverpool for a British record (Credits: Imago Images)
Alexander Isak arrives at Anfield with high expectations following a British record-setting £125m transfer. The Swede will be expected to back it up in numbers, as Liverpool will face Burnley on the 14th.
Despite having a terrific transfer campaign, Arne Slot will be hoping to go even harder during the winter. The Reds missed out on Marc Guéhi following deadline day tensions at both Anfield and Selhurst Park.
A long, drawn-out transfer strategy had better odds of survival, but the Isak transfer probably took out a lot of manpower, considering the various variables involved.
If the Swede had been welcomed earlier at Anfield, chances are, the Guéhi transfer would’ve gone through. The main blocker with the English defender was his employer’s failure to find a replacement on deadline day.
If Crystal Palace were given more time, Austrian manager Oliver Glasner would’ve been able to find an alternative for the Englishman.
This would’ve proved game-changing for Liverpool. The Austrian gaffer had agreed to sell the defender only if there was a replacement in line for the same.
However, Liverpool was probably more focused on the Isak transfer as they were sorely missing a star No.9. But, the cost of the transfer and the weight of the role also meant that the Reds had been extra careful before penning the deal.
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Alexander Isak’s injury history was under scrutiny
The Sunday Mirror agrees as the media outlet reported that special care was taken about the Swede’s injury history. There were sports science experts whose assurances Slot needed to pen the deal.
Out of the last 114 games, Isak has missed 39, rounding out to 35% of matches missed. This is a pretty worrisome stat considering the cost of the deal.
Arne Slot wouldn’t want to make the most expensive British transfer in history, which would end up costing more to the club than giving back.
There are big shoes to fill, which were worn by the likes of Diogo Jota, who unfortunately passed away in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother Andre Silva.
Despite all that, the sports science team are convinced that they can control Isak’s playing record to meet the requirements. There are also claims of enhancing his ability to play more matches.
A big troublemaker for Slot will be the long break from competitive football. Alexander Isak didn’t join the Newcastle team on their pre-season, nor did he train with them or play a single match at St. James Park this season.
The management will have to be extremely cautious with the player. One bad move here means a spiral, both for the club and the player.
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