LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak on the bench before the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 15, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak on the bench before the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Alexander Isak insists he has never regretted his decision to leave Newcastle for Liverpool, despite the pressures and challenges he has faced since joining.
Isak forced through a British record £125 million transfer last summer only to arrive at Anfield short of fitness, before going on to suffer major setbacks.
A broken leg on what was widely regarded as his breakout performance against Tottenham in December was a big blow, not least mentally as the striker faced a long road back.
But now fully fit and starting every game under Andoni Iraola, Isak told BBC Sport he has no regrets over an “easy decision.”
“It’s a massive club, and everything about the club made it pretty clear,” he explained.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring his side's first and equalising goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“And the club’s ambition and the club’s will to get me in as well, it was a big part of it.”
Asked if doubts over his move crept in during his time on the sidelines, Isak insisted: “No, never. I would never think like that.
“It was tough. Anyone who’s had a long injury would know.
“But on the other hand, when you’re in a good place and when you feel good, you don’t really tend to look back because it doesn’t really benefit you.
“So I’m just looking forward and feel really optimistic and excited about the season, and what it can bring to us.”
Isak: ‘Iraola’s football is the way we want to play’
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola shakes hands with Alexander Isak as he is subtituted during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 16, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola shakes hands with Alexander Isak as he is subtituted during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Como 1907 at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
A change in the dugout has revitalised a Liverpool squad who were far below their levels last season under Arne Slot, and the intensity Iraola demands has been key to that.
“He came with his football – the way he wants to play and the high intensity which I think will benefit me, the club and the way the club wants to play football,” Isak said.
“I think that’s what the team needs. It’s not just about getting the ball to me, it’s about getting the ball forward and to all of the offensive players quickly.
“I think that will benefit the team. I think if we can do that then we should score more goals.”
Unexpected token '<', " Try again So far Isak has three goals and an assist in his six appearances this season, and though his target would be to score in every game, Iraola has placed an emphasis on his all-round play. “He asks me to be part of the defending but to defend in positions where, when we win the ball, we can counter quickly and get the ball forward to the offensive line,” the Swede continued. “He said ‘score goals’, but he wants me to defend. “The way we defend – we defend to score goals so defending, in the end, is an attacking weapon.” Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v AS Monaco LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's substitute Rio Ngumoha during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda) Football – FA Premier League – Norwich City FC v Liverpool FC NORWICH, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 14, 2021: Liverpool's Roberto Firmino (R) celebrates with team-mate Mohamed Salah after scoring the second goal during the FA Premier League match between Norwich City FC and Liverpool FC at Carrow Road. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda) Football – UEFA Super Cup Istanbul 2019 – Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC ISTANBUL, TURKEY - Wednesday, August 14, 2019: Liverpool's James Milner bites his winners' medal as he celebrates after winning the Super Cup during the UEFA Super Cup match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Besiktas Park. Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)