Alexander Isak speaks out for the first time about leaving Newcastle

The saga involving Isak, Newcastle, and Liverpool lasted throughout the entire transfer window and went down to the final day. In the end, the Swedish forward completed a £125 million move to Anfield, taking the No.9 shirt vacated by Darwin Núñez following his transfer to Al-Hilal. Since then, Isak had remained silent about the deal until last week, when he received the Golden Ball award in Sweden.

Speaking to Sportbladet about the transfer, Isak said: "I can say this: Things are always more complicated than they seem. I have talked about this, but I have not gone into depth. And it is not something that I want to do, based on the fact that I have put it behind me. I am focusing forward, there is no benefit in going into it or opening it up – neither for me nor for anyone else. It must remain in the past."

Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad in 2022 for £63 million, and he quickly developed into one of the league’s top strikers. Last season, he scored 23 goals, helping the Magpies finish fifth and secure Champions League qualification.

However, once Liverpool showed serious interest, the striker made the decision to move. “[Liverpool’s interest] was the most interesting thing for me,” Isak explained. “I felt quite early on that this was where I wanted to go. An overall picture. The club’s history, where the club is today and the next step it will take.”

Despite the high expectations, Isak has scored just two goals since arriving at Liverpool and has yet to reach his best form. Reflecting on his slow start, he said:

 "I don't really have the answer to that (why it's been slow). The team - of course it has been slow, but that's how it is in football. There are always teams that fly, and then it goes slower for others. It is important to turn it around.

"And for my part too, it's not the first time in my career that I've gone through a period like this, or I'm in bad shape. That's how a football career works, it's just something you have to fight your way out of."

Liverpool are set to face Tottenham in the Premier League tonight. With Ekitike picking up a minor injury against Brighton, Arne Slot could hand Isak a start up front. The match kicks off at 00:30 (GMT+7) on 21 December.