Isak and the Need to Justify His Price Tag

When Liverpool paid €145 million for Alexander Isak, the expectation was clear: the Swedish striker would lead the reigning Premier League champions after the club spent almost €500 million on signings. His years at Newcastle United supported that belief. But his first season did not match the price.

Isak scored only four goals in 22 matches. He had a reason for the slow start. He forced his move from Newcastle and remained apart from the group, missing preseason until Liverpool completed the transfer. Nearly three months passed between his last competitive match for Newcastle in the summer of 2025 and his return to action. He then spent many matches on the bench, lacking rhythm.

When he finally began to regain his level, he broke his leg in December and remained out until April. His first signs of recovery came at the World Cup with Sweden. Against Ipswich Town, he produced the clearest evidence yet, scoring twice in nine minutes. He looked quick, finished well and recorded his first brace in a Liverpool shirt.

Now Isak must show he is the striker Liverpool need, particularly in Europe. He recorded neither a goal nor an assist in the Champions League last season and played more than 70 minutes in none of his seven appearances. His role against Paris Saint-Germain in April was marginal, with 12 minutes in the first leg and a halftime substitution in the second. When Liverpool face Atlético Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday, much of the pressure will rest on Isak’s boots.

Florian Wirtz faces a similar test after Liverpool paid €125 million for him. Unlike Isak, he cannot use injuries as an explanation. He has simply failed to reach the level he showed at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso. Andoni Iraola is trying him in the number 10 role, but has not yet found the answer. After a poor first season, Wirtz cannot afford another subdued campaign.