The latest Liverpool transfer news as reports reveal the club’s initial concerns ahead of their record-breaking Alexander Isak deal
Alexander Isak’s injury record worried Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool reportedly had concerns over Alexander Isak’s injury history before committing to their record-breaking £130m transfer for the striker.
The Reds had been strongly linked with the Swedish forward throughout the summer window, with speculation eventually straining his relationship with Newcastle. Eddie Howe opted not to pick Isak in the Magpies’ opening Premier League fixtures as uncertainty over his future grew.
After months of back-and-forth, Liverpool finally secured the deal on deadline day, paying £125m plus add-ons – the highest transfer fee in British football history.
However, according to The Mirror, the club initially carried reservations about Isak’s fitness record. Before sanctioning such a huge investment, Liverpool’s medical and sports science staff conducted an in-depth review of the 25-year-old’s past injuries.
Only after receiving assurances that his record would not hinder his long-term prospects did the club decide to table their bid.
Alexander Isak suffered a series of injuries at Newcastle
Isak’s recent history gave cause for concern. During the 2022/23 campaign, he missed more than 100 days with a thigh problem. The following season, two separate groin issues ruled him out for a combined two months.
And in what proved to be his final season at St James’ Park, a broken toe sidelined him for seven matches for both club and country.
Liverpool’s approach reflects a growing awareness of the risks surrounding big-money signings. There are several examples of clubs investing heavily in star players only to see injuries undermine the transfer.
Eden Hazard’s £100m switch to Real Madrid saw him miss 59 matches within his first two seasons.
Neymar’s move to Al Hilal, said to have cost the Saudi Pro League around £250m in wages and fees, ended in similar disappointment, with the Brazilian featuring only seven times in two years after suffering a serious cruciate ligament injury.
Given the scale of the Isak deal, Liverpool are fully aware they are unlikely to turn a profit when the striker eventually leaves the club.
Instead, Arne Slot and his staff will be focused on maximising his output during his peak years at Anfield, something they believe can be achieved by closely managing his fitness and reducing the risk of further setbacks.
For the latest news and breaking news, visit liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/liverpool-fc. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @LivEchoLFC – the official Liverpool ECHO LFC Twitter account – for all the latest LFC news as it happens in real time.
We’re also on Facebook/LiverpoolEchoLFC – your must-see LFC news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Liverpool ECHO.
Listen to our podcasts by searching for ‘Blood Red’ wherever you get your podcasts.
Sign up for one of the Liverpool Echo’s free daily and weekly newsletters on Liverpool FC by clicking here.