17 October 2025
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that record signing Alexander Isak's season is just getting started, indicating that the Swedish striker has finally reached the level where he can reach his full potential.
Isak, who joined Liverpool for £125 million ($168 million), has played just 313 minutes across six appearances for the Reds in all competitions, scoring just one goal in Liverpool's League Cup win over Southampton. This has been the case since his move to Anfield from Newcastle United on the final day of the summer transfer window, as the club sought to ease him back into action after missing the entire pre-season.
Isak played an additional 198 minutes for Sweden but failed to score in two full matches during the recent international break in 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Kosovo and Switzerland.
However, ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with arch-rivals Manchester United, Slot stressed that 26-year-old Isak is now ready to shine.
"I think he's got what he needs now," said the Dutchman. "Six weeks of pre-season, which is normal for any player, especially if he's been out for three or four months."
"Fitness-wise, he's close to where he needs to be, and we can judge him fairly from now on," Slot told the British news agency PA Media.
"I know how things are going in that area. If he plays there (with the Swedish national team) twice and doesn't score, that's obviously not what we want."
Slot hinted, "Maybe his pre-season is over. He's played some games for 70, 80, or 90 minutes, so let's see where he goes in the coming weeks."
Liverpool currently sits second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Arsenal.
