Why Alexander Isak could be banned from touching 'This Is Anfield' sign at Liverpool
Updated 11:03 1 Sep 2025 GMT+1Published 11:01 1 Sep 2025 GMT+1
Alexander Isak could be banned from touching the iconic sign at Liverpool if Arne Slot has continued Jurgen Klopp's tradition.
Alexander Isak could be banned from touching the iconic 'This Is Anfield' sign once he completes his move to Liverpool.
Liverpool have agreed a British-record fee of £130 million to sign Isak from Newcastle.
The deal includes a 'solidarity' payment of £5 million.
Despite being on the verge of securing his preferred transfer this summer, the 25-year-old is set to miss out on millions.
Once the deal crosses the line, Isak could make his Liverpool debut following the international break when the Reds travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley.
It follows back-to-back home games against Atletico Madrid and Everton.
If Isak starts either match, he will come out of the Anfield tunnel and be greeted by the stadium's legendary sign.
The 'This Is Anfield' sign is an iconic symbol of one of the world's biggest clubs and many players touch it as part of a pre-match ritual.
Virgil van Dijk touches the 'This Is Anfield' sign ahead of walking his team out. Image: Getty
Virgil van Dijk touches the 'This Is Anfield' sign ahead of walking his team out. Image: Getty
But Jurgen Klopp banned his players from touching the sign until they had won a trophy with the club.
It's unclear whether Arne Slot has continued that tradition but if he has, then Isak will be banned from touching the sign.
Klopp inspired Liverpool to Premier League and Champions League glory, among other silverware, during his spell in charge of the club, so his players were eventually able to touch the sign.
On the sign, the German explained: "I’ve told my players not to touch the 'This Is Anfield' sign until they win something! It's a sign of respect. I touched it when I was manager of Borussia Dortmund, but we lost 4-0."
Alexander Isak could be banned from touching the 'This Is Anfield' sign at Liverpool if Arne Slot has continued Jurgen Klopp's tradition. Image: Getty
Alexander Isak could be banned from touching the 'This Is Anfield' sign at Liverpool if Arne Slot has continued Jurgen Klopp's tradition. Image: Getty
If the ban is still in place, then Isak will have the chance to win silverware this season as Liverpool will be competing for the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Champions League.
The Swede has won three trophies in his career, including the Carabao Cup with Newcastle.
He scored in the club's 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium last season.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Football, Jurgen Klopp