Arne Slot is cautious with Isak at Liverpool due to recent fitness issues and sends warning

Liverpool fans are eager to see Alexander Isak in action, but coach Arne Slot warns that the Swedish striker’s minutes will be carefully managed.

Gradual Integration at Liverpool

Isak, Liverpool’s record signing and one of the most expensive players in Premier League history at €145 million, did not participate in preseason training. Slot emphasized that the striker’s physical condition requires careful monitoring to avoid injury and ensure a long-term impact at the club.

“Alex missed pre-season and team sessions, so we have to build him up gradually. That will be a challenge, but we signed him for six years, so that’s what fans need to keep in mind,” Slot said during a press conference ahead of the Burnley match.

Praise for Sweden’s Management

Slot also applauded Sweden coach Dahl Tomasson for resting Isak during the recent FIFA Qualifiers, giving him just a few minutes against Kosovo. According to Slot, this cautious approach is wise for a player of Isak’s caliber.

“Tomasson deserves a lot of praise. He has perhaps the best striker in the world, and he understands that overplaying him could result in injuries,” Slot noted.

Long Hiatus and Fitness Recovery

After completing the 2024–25 season with Newcastle on May 25, Isak was out of action until September 8, when he played just 19 minutes in an international qualifier. His absence during Newcastle’s preseason, partly due to his transfer push to Liverpool, has delayed both his conditioning and integration into the Reds’ squad.

Historical Transfer for Liverpool

The €145 million transfer for Isak now ranks him among the top three most expensive football transfers of all time, behind Neymar (€222 million) and Mbappé (€185 million). The signing broke Liverpool’s previous record, surpassing Florian Wirtz as the club’s costliest acquisition.

Slot concluded that Isak’s limited minutes early on are part of a long-term strategy to ensure the striker remains fit and impactful throughout his six-year contract at Liverpool.