“We Signed Him for Six Years, Not Six Months” – Slot Backs Isak Amid Slow Liverpool Start
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has played down concerns over Alexander Isak’s slow start to life at Anfield, insisting the club’s long-term investment in the Swedish forward remains firmly on track.
Alexander Isak was at the centre of one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas, with weeks of negotiations involving Newcastle United, the player and Liverpool before a deal worth around £150 million was finally agreed.
Newcastle were initially reluctant to part ways with their star striker, but Isak reportedly refused to report for pre-season training, making his desire to move clear.
Having lit up St James’ Park in previous campaigns, expectations were sky-high upon his arrival on Merseyside. However, the Swede has struggled to replicate that explosive form.
Now sidelined with an injury, Isak has managed just three goals in as many appearances for Liverpool, often featuring from the bench behind summer arrival Hugo Ekitike, who has impressed with his displays.
Slot admits the Isak has yet to rediscover his Newcastle sharpness but remains relaxed about the situation.
“Alex Isak has NOT been the Alex of Newcastle, maybe for 20 minutes at Tottenham,” Slot said.
“I don’t criticise him because we signed him for six years, not six months.”
The Dutch tactician’s comments underline Liverpool’s patient approach, viewing Isak as a long-term project rather than a short-term fix.
With a six-year contract in place and proven pedigree in the Premier League, the Reds hierarchy believe it is only a matter of time before the striker rediscovers the form that once made him one of England’s most feared forwards.