‎Alexander Isak Fitness Update: Liverpool Record Signing Could Need Weeks to Reach Full Sharpness After Newcastle Transfer Saga

‎Liverpool’s £125 million forward Alexander Isak may require several more weeks before reaching full match sharpness following his drawn-out transfer from Newcastle United. The Swedish striker’s summer move, which extended over nearly two months, left him without a pre-season and hampered his physical readiness for the start of the campaign.

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‎Alexander Isak’s £125m Liverpool move left him short of fitness after Newcastle saga, with full match sharpness still weeks away.

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‎Manager Arne Slot has adopted a careful approach to integrating Isak into Liverpool’s matchday plans. The 25-year-old has alternated between starting roles and substitute appearances as part of a gradual return to peak condition. His limited pre-season activity has made managing his minutes crucial, with the club prioritising long-term fitness over immediate impact. Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson praised Liverpool’s measured handling of the player, acknowledging visible progress but expressing uncertainty about his current capacity to complete a full 90 minutes.

‎Liverpool reporter Lewis Steele revealed that Isak’s recovery could stretch into the coming month. Speaking on his vlog, Steele explained that those close to Newcastle believe it may take as long as three months from his arrival for Isak to hit full stride. Having joined Liverpool over a month ago, the striker is expected to need another three to four weeks before reaching optimal condition. Despite flashes of quality — including a decisive assist and a goal against Southampton — Isak’s rhythm and endurance remain under development following a disrupted summer.

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‎Isak’s move was one of the most protracted transfers of the summer window. Newcastle’s reluctance to part with their top scorer, who played a pivotal role in their 2024–25 Carabao Cup triumph and strong league finish, delayed proceedings. The club initially placed a higher valuation on the striker and faced no financial pressure to sell due to his contract running until 2028.

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‎The situation intensified after Isak expressed his intention to leave, citing unfulfilled promises and a desire for a new challenge. He trained separately from the first team and missed pre-season fixtures, increasing tension between player and club. Newcastle’s inability to secure replacements — with targets Benjamin Šeško and Hugo Ekitike proving elusive — further stalled negotiations. The breakthrough came on deadline day when Newcastle completed the signings of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, enabling Liverpool to finalise the record transfer.

‎Liverpool’s upcoming schedule includes critical fixtures against Manchester United, Eintracht Frankfurt, Brentford, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, and Real Madrid in the Champions League. With the team entering a demanding run of matches, Slot and his staff will be hoping to see Isak regain full fitness soon and contribute consistently to the attacking setup.