Isak's £125m Liverpool move still awaits its first statement

Alexander Isak has yet to justify his British record transfer fee since joining Liverpool from Newcastle United for £125 million last summer. The Sweden international has been sidelined by injuries and, when available, has struggled to recapture his form.

He broke his leg just three months into his Liverpool career, limiting his early impact. Across last season, he managed only four goals in 22 appearances, though his minutes were restricted to 1,033 — the equivalent of 11 full 90-minute matches.

Isak returned from the World Cup with Sweden, where he scored once in four outings, and made his second pre-season appearance on Sunday. In Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat against Monaco, he delivered a far stronger performance than under former head coach Arne Slot.

Playing in Andoni Iraola’s dynamic system, Isak was far more involved in Liverpool’s build-up. His goal came from a well-worked move featuring five one-touch passes, culminating in a finish from 18 yards with his right foot.

The move showcased Iraola’s style of football, which plays directly into Isak’s strengths as a lethal finisher and intelligent off-the-ball runner. Liverpool’s attack was fluid, with Cody Gakpo orchestrating much of the play for an hour despite ongoing transfer speculation linking him with Tottenham Hotspur.

Gakpo’s link-up play and spatial awareness were central to Liverpool’s tiki-taka approach, creating pockets of space for teammates. On the left flank, Lewis Koumas, preferred over Rio Ngumoha, impressed with four shots and a series of probing crosses, though his delivery was occasionally raw.

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Federico Chiesa entered the game late for the final 15 minutes, adding another dimension to Liverpool’s attack. Jeremy Jacquet, signed from Rennes for £60 million in July, remained on the sidelines as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery and has yet to play a pre-season minute.

Liverpool face a defensive crisis ahead of their opening fixture in 14 days. Virgil van Dijk was partnered by Ifeanyi Ndukwe, who impressed in a 45-minute cameo despite not being eligible for competitive action due to work permit issues.

Ndukwe, signed from Austria Wien, was composed in possession and unbeaten in duels, but his future lies away from Anfield this season. Liverpool have only Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni fit among their senior centre-back options after Ibrahima Konaté’s departure to Real Madrid.

Their defensive fragility was exposed against Monaco, where they conceded three goals despite leading twice. The need for defensive reinforcement has prompted Liverpool to pursue a loan deal for Ronald Araujo from Barcelona, aiming to bolster their backline before the Premier League curtain rises.

Araujo’s arrival would address both defensive solidity and depth concerns, especially if Jacquet’s recovery is delayed. Liverpool conceded 53 goals in the Premier League last season, and their defensive issues remain unaddressed ahead of the new campaign.

Ndukwe’s promising display suggests he could be a long-term solution, but regulatory hurdles mean he will likely spend the season on loan to gain competitive experience elsewhere in Europe.

For Isak, Sunday’s outing offered a glimpse of the player Liverpool signed for £125 million. Whether it marks the start of a resurgence or remains an isolated spark will define his future at the club.