After all the furore surrounding his summer move, Alexander Isak’s record-busting arrival at Liverpool has been something of an anti-climax.
The Swede burnt all his bridges at Newcastle United in order to sign for the Reds, but has underwhelmed at just about every juncture.
Most frustratingly, Isak had been showing signs that things were starting to click before suffering a broken leg while sweeping in an excellent finish during Liverpool‘s win over Tottenham in December.
If you were forced to sell one Liverpool player to Manchester United, who goes?
Man United ‘interested’ in Alexis Mac Allister…
Alexis Mac Allister Liverpool transfer rumour
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Since then, Liverpool have improved without him, leading some to question whether Isak could simply become a victim of terrible timing and never really take off at Anfield.
However, Arne Slot has not forgotten about his No. 9, and after being asked extensively about his recovery during Thursday’s pre-Nottingham Forest press conference, the Dutchman made a promise that fans will see a ‘different Isak’ when he returns next month.
Liverpool ready to see the best of Alexander Isak
Three goals in 16 appearances is not the kind of record Liverpool fans expected after signing Isak for £120m.
Despite that, he showed some glimpses of how effective he can be, and each of his three goals have been impressively clinical.
Arne Slot manager / head coach of Liverpool and Alexander Isak of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Chelsea and Man Utd deny claims they approached Jurgen Klopp after Liverpool exit
It may take the former Newcastle man a further period of time to show his best when he comes back from such a significant injury, but according to Slot, fans could still see the best of him before the end of the season.
“We’re expecting a different player in the end of the season than the one we had in the first part, which makes complete sense because we have to give him time,” Slot said.
“Unfortunately for him and for us we haven’t used the best Alex yet, but this club and our fans will see the best Alex, hopefully this season, but for sure in the upcoming years.”
Give us your most controversial pick in Liverpool’s top 100 best ever players
And who will come out as number one?
This summer, we will be celebrating the very best to have represented the Reds' men's team since 1892, producing a comprehensive list of the top 100 🙌
Cast your vote now in a huge new club poll to decide Liverpool's Greatest 🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 16, 2026
View Tweet
Isak ready to aid Liverpool’s trophy charge
If Liverpool do see the best of Isak between now and the end of the campaign, it is possible they end the season with some silverware.
Should the Reds remain in the FA Cup and the Champions League when the Sweden international returns, he could be the catalyst for helping them get over the line.
Isak will almost be like a new signing for the final stretch of the season, and if Liverpool are functioning as they have been in recent weeks, that should help him slide in nicely.
Slot confirmed that Isak will be back to help before the end of the season on Thursday, and that in itself is hugely exciting for supporters.
“Let’s not put a timescale on it but it’s clear that he will be available if things go as planned this season,” he said. “It will be end of March, start of April when he’s back with the group, that doesn’t mean he’ll be ready to start because he’s been out for months.”
He may not be ready to start, but even having Isak available will be a boost to the whole club. Hang in there, Liverpool, and the big-money signing could still repay his fee this season.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox