Alexander Isak on Liverpool Move: No Regrets

Alexander Isak says the choice to swap Newcastle for Liverpool was never really a dilemma.

The Sweden striker arrived at Anfield on deadline day in September 2025 for a British record £125m fee, a move that dragged on all summer but, in his mind, felt straightforward.

“[Liverpool] is a massive club, and everything about the club made it pretty clear,” he told BBC Sport’s The Football Interview. “And the club's ambition and the club's will to get me in as well. It was a big part of it.”

From broken promises to broken leg

Isak’s route to Merseyside was messy. He missed pre-season with Newcastle, instead training at former club Real Sociedad while uncertainty swirled around his future and as he spoke of “broken” promises at St James’ Park.

The transfer finally came, the price tag smashed records, but the goals did not follow. His first year at Liverpool was stuttering, interrupted, frustrating. Then came the major setback: a leg break in December that kept him out until April.

He never came close to justifying the fee in that debut campaign, finishing with only three Premier League goals. Yet when asked if he ever regretted the move, he was emphatic.

“No, never. I would never think like that,” he said.

“The leg break was tough. Anyone who had a long injury would know. But on the other hand, when you're in a good place and when you feel good, you don't really tend to look back because it doesn't really benefit you.

“So I'm just looking forward and feel really optimistic and excited about the season, and what it can bring to us.”

World Cup rhythm, Anfield reset

Game time was scarce last season: just 1,032 minutes across 22 appearances. The stage he needed came not in red, but in yellow and blue.

Isak made his World Cup bow for Sweden in the summer, finally stringing together consistent minutes and influence. He scored once and supplied three assists for Graham Potter’s side before France ended their run in the last 32.

“Playing for your country in a World Cup is a dream of most people,” he said.

“With the injuries last season, the World Cup was perfect. I had that period where I could play and gain rhythm and form.

“And, on top of that, it was a massive experience, so that was perfect to do and come back here for pre-season and to start the season.”

That rhythm has carried into this campaign. After only four Premier League games, the 26-year-old has already matched last season’s tally of three league goals. The sharpness is back. So is the confidence.

Iraola’s high-speed Liverpool

There has been change around him too. Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot in the summer and has wasted no time imprinting his aggressive, front-foot approach on Liverpool.

The numbers back it up: no team has made more sprints in the Premier League this season. The idea is simple – defend high, attack fast, suffocate opponents.

For Isak, that begins with his work off the ball.

“He asks me to be part of the defending but to defend in positions where, when we win the ball, we can counter quickly and get the ball forward to the offensive line,” he explained.

“He said ‘score goals’, but he wants me to defend. The way we defend – we defend to score goals so defending, in the end, is an attacking weapon.”

The philosophy suits him.

“He came with his football – the way he wants to play and the high intensity which I think will benefit me, the club and the way the club wants to play football,” Isak said.

On the new style, he is clear about the collective aim.

“I think that's what the team needs. It's not just about getting the ball to me, it's about getting the ball forward and to all of the offensive players quickly.

“I think that will benefit the team. I think if we can do that then we should score more goals.”

Goals, not goalscoring targets

Isak already has 60 Premier League goals and a 23-goal season with Newcastle in 2024-25 on his record. Liverpool paid for that kind of output. The expectation is obvious: deliver numbers and deliver trophies.

He is not interested in putting a figure on it.

“Everyone knows that success for this club is winning trophies,” he said. “I want to score every game. Everyone is different. Some like to set targets and some don't. I'm the one that doesn't.”

For now, the British record signing has his fitness, his rhythm, and a system built around intensity and quick transitions. After a year of frustration and recovery, the question is no longer whether he regrets the move.

It’s how far he can take this Liverpool side if everything finally clicks.