Alexander Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle United for a record-breaking fee in the summer, but the striker has failed to make the same impact as fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike.
Jamie Carragher has suggested Liverpool may not have pursued Alexander Isak in previous transfer windows. The Reds moved Isak from Newcastle United to Anfield on deadline day for £125 million, breaking a British transfer record and securing the Swedish international after a protracted battle.
The 26-year-old forward did not feature in Newcastle’s summer friendlies or Premier League opener, training alone and going on strike at St James’ Park during pre-season as he plotted his exit.
Isak, who has missed Liverpool’s last three games with a groin injury, has had a poor start at Anfield as he needs to bounce back following a break in pre-season.
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The striker has made eight appearances for the Reds so far, contributing one goal and one assist, but is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League for Arne Slott’s side.
Isak is yet to justify his high price tag at Liverpool, but fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike has emerged as one of the Reds’ standout performers this season, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The France international has scored six goals and provided one assist in 14 appearances since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, joining Liverpool in a deal worth up to £79 million.
The 23-year-old, who started 10 games, was relegated to the bench behind Isak in the Premier League matches between Liverpool and Chelsea and Manchester United, but has since regained his place in the slot starting XI.
The pair arrive at Anfield as part of a staggering £450m spending spree in the summer, with Liverpool bringing in eight new senior players in what has been a record transfer window for the club.
However, that significant expense was offset by around £200 million generated by player departures, as 10 senior players left the club, including forwards Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. Sadly, Diogo Jota lost his life in a car accident over the summer.
This frenzy of transfer activity is uncharacteristic of Liverpool, who traditionally prefer to strengthen their squad with just one or two carefully selected additions each period.
Former Reds defender Carragher suggested the club would not have pursued both Isak and Ekitike in previous years, backing up observations on social media to that effect.
The Liverpool icon replied to EBL on X’s post, writing: ‘In the past Liverpool only signed Ekitike and not Isaac.
“He profiles as someone who can be as good as Isaac while offering a comparable profile at half the price, and perhaps that has happened sooner than expected.
“The problem of choice arises with two special #9s with slots at their disposal.”
Carragher’s response was succinct: “That’s my point all summer!”
Slott has used Isak and Ekitike as a strike partnership only once this season, during Liverpool’s 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last month.
Mohamed Salah was left on the bench as the Dutch head coach switched to a 4-4-2 formation to accommodate both strikers, but the Swedish forward was forced to be substituted at half-time due to a groin problem.
Ekitike is expected to spearhead the attack against Real Madrid on Tuesday night following Isak’s absence from Saturday’s win over Aston Villa, with Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz providing other options in attack.
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