Former Arsenal and Everton winger Anders Limpar has discussed Alexander Isak's transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool and his confidence in the £125m striker to bounce back
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-1 during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium on November 30, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Izzy Poles - AMA/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak of Liverpool celebrates after scoring during the Premier League match at West Ham United on November 30 2025
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(Image: Izzy Poles - AMA/Getty Images)
Alexander Isak protracted £125m move from Newcastle United to Liverpool in the summer has been branded a "farce" by former Everton and Arsenal winger Anders Limpar.
But Limpar has no doubt that the British record transfer signing will bounce back from his devastating injury and become "a hell of a player" for Liverpool.
Isak completed his move to the Reds on transfer deadline day in the summer after a drawn-out saga that him saw him miss the vast majority of Newcastle's pre-season.
Lacking fitness and sharpness, the 26-year-old struggled in his opening months at Anfield but just when he appeared to be working his way back to his best form, disaster struck when scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 triumph at Tottenham Hotspur on December 20.
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Isak sustained a serious leg injury that included a fibula fracture that has ruled him out ever since. However, the Sweden international is expected to return to action before the end of the season.
And Limpar, who won 58 caps for Sweden, said of his compatriot: "He is a player who had to adapt as well, and to have that price tag around his neck is crazy. You have to have the mental strength to get over that.
"I actually think the injury came at the right time for him, even though it is bad to say.
"But now he will come back so much stronger. He has been out for a couple of months, but I think his mentality can grow, and he can come back even better.
"I think he will be a hell of a player for Liverpool when he comes back, and everything has settled.
"The pressure will be off, and then you can see the true Isak. He will come back twice as good, I reckon."
There was a huge amount of outside pressure on Isak after his arrival on Merseyside to hit the ground running and, before his injury, he had registered just three goals in 16 appearances, which was well down on the numbers he was posting for Newcastle.
And Limpar, speaking to Bettingsidor.se, added: "This whole farce from the beginning with Isak, where he didn't want to play for Newcastle and wanted to sign for Liverpool, I mean, wow, he was so bad for the first games. He didn't fit in. Maybe the money they paid for him got into his brain in some way.
“I know him personally, and he is so mentally strong, but I think the lack of goals from his end affected him.
“He is a goalscorer, and in Newcastle, he was the main guy. Everyone was looking at him, and he knew what he wanted."
“Now, he is not the biggest star. Mo Salah is the biggest star, and Liverpool have better players than Newcastle, and they are also playing a different system."
The Reds are in FA Cup action on Friday at Wolves (8pm kick-off), who they lost to 2-1 in the Premier League on Tuesday.