Liverpool striker Alexander Isakplaceholder image
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak | Getty Images
Alexander Isak has scored just three goals in Liverpool colours to do anything but justify his £125million price tag.
Jamie Carragher has hit out at Liverpool’s decision to sign Alexander Isak last summer.
A draining summer transfer window saw the Swede - previously idolised on Tyneside - force through a Newcastle United exit. Isak sacrificed life-long adulation at St James’ Park just months after delivering Carabao Cup success - ironically scoring against Liverpool in the final.
Toon fans watched on as Isak struggled to adjust to life on Merseyside following his British record switch. The 26-year-old managed just three goals in all competitions before breaking his leg last month.
Alexander Isak injury recovery
Isak scored in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur but, while firing home the goal that broke the deadlock, a lunge from Micky van de Ven resulted in a serious leg injury. Liverpool were dealt a major blow on their £125million investment and are keen not to put a timeline on a potential return.
As for Newcastle, it is safe to say there are few people of a black-and-white persuasion who felt sorry for the former fans’ favourite. The Magpies have also endured an underwhelming campaign - with many fans highlighting the Isak saga as the root of their woes due to the hectic summer that followed.
Jamie Carragher on Alexander Isak and Liverpool recruitment
Speaking to The Athletic, Liverpool legend Carragher slammed the club’s recent recruitment. He specifically highlighted the Isak deal as a concern given Hugo Ekitike’s promise since arriving.
“No recruitment team has ever been given their flowers more than Liverpool’s, and rightly so,” Carragher said. “They’ve been really clever in the market and ahead of the game. But you have to look at it and say every big decision this summer - we are talking with hindsight, of course - has blown up in their face.
“As for the big-money signings, Wirtz is starting to show promising signs, but still nowhere near what you want. Hopefully, that comes in the second half of the season. Isak for me, I just could never get my head around the signing. Liverpool were always the type of club who bought the next Isak. The next Isak in their mind was Ekitike. So I don’t know why you would then buy Isak.
“He’s been very unlucky with a bad injury. But he was injury-prone at (previous club) Newcastle. He looked a fantastic player, but I just don’t see how you were ever going to get a £125million striker and a £69million striker (Ekitike) in the team at the same time. Especially when you buy Wirtz as a No.10.”
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