Liverpool’s window of big additions isn’t set to end before Deadline Day. Reports have emerged that an agreement with Newcastle has been reached regarding a British record fee for Alexander Isak.
The long-running saga has dominated the transfer window, but the Reds look finally set to end the Summer with the number nine they have craved.
feeling blessed ❤️ pic.twitter.com/txlGHd8Nvl
— Alexander Isak 🇸🇪 (@LFCIsak_) September 1, 2025
The deal accelerated over the weekend once the Magpies were able to replace the want-away Swedish international. Liverpool appear to have met the financial demands put on the 25-year-old by their Premier League rival.
But what impact will Isak’s arrival at Anfield have on how the champions line up. And which star forward could be cast aside in order to fit the expensive striker into the starting eleven?
Isak Brings Goal-Scoring Prowess
There is little doubt that Isak’s arrival means Liverpool will have a bigger threat in the final third of the field. The signing also ensures that Arne Slot is able to sort out a problematic position in his offence. The Reds have lacked a clinical number nine since Roberto Firmino’s departure.
Isak’s goal-scoring record makes him one of the hottest strikers in the Premier League. The Swede smashed 32 goals in 48 matches for club and country across all competitions in 2024-25. His ability to score high numbers is a major factor, while his efficiency in front of goal is also a vitally important trait for one of the major teams in Europe.
Medical ✅ pic.twitter.com/Yp4SGLVYva
— Alexander Isak 🇸🇪 (@LFCIsak_) September 1, 2025
Isak’s tally of 23 goals in the Premier League last season was accumulated despite registering a slightly lower xG of 20.54. Meanwhile, he hit the target with 44 of his 74 shots in the Premier League to register a lofty conversion rate of 31.08%.
Where Will Isak Fit In?
Liverpool have already spent big money in the offensive areas this Summer, with Florian Wirtz moving to Anfield for a club-record fee. However, the German is still a likely guaranteed starter in the number ten role, despite enduring a slow start to the campaign.
The most fascinating point of consideration revolves around what Slot will do with fellow big-money arrival Hugo Ekitike. The striker started the season in excellent form for the Reds, netting three in four matches across all competitions.
— Alexander Isak 🇸🇪 (@LFCIsak_) September 1, 2025
However, with the big money spent on Isak, it’s unlikely the Frenchman will retain his spot in the number nine role. Instead, Ekitike could be shifted out wide, bad news for Cody Gakpo. Both stars will surely compete for the left-hand role of the forward three, with both players boasting similar traits in terms of their dribbling.
Gakpo could be a preferred choice for matches against bigger teams, as he has already proven this term that he is prepared to work harder defensively than the new signing.
What Does it Mean for Salah?
A big talking point for Liverpool at the start of the season has been the disappointing form of Mohamed Salah. The new-look system doesn’t appear to suit the Egyptian, who thrived last term with Trent Alexander-Arnold quickly playing passes in behind opposing defences for the PFA Player of the Year.
Salah has made little impression in the opening three league games of the season, and has typically looked isolated, stuck out wide, with Wirtz playing in the central role, taking away Salah’s space.
However, Isak’s arrival should have a positive impact on the 33-year-old. The Swede can hold the ball up, and this should free up Salah to make more advanced runs behind the opposing defensive lines. Slot will be tasked with finding the balance, but Isak’s arrival at Anfield almost certainly makes the defending champions the team to beat in the 2025-26 Premier and Champions Leagues.
