Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hailed new signing Alexander Isak as “maybe the best striker in the world” but says the £125 million forward will be eased in gradually following a disrupted pre-season.
The Premier League champions secured the Sweden international from Newcastle on transfer deadline day for a British record fee, bolstering their attacking options after a summer spending spree of more than £400 million. A late move for Crystal Palace and England defender Marc Guehi fell through.
Reflecting on the busy end to the window, Slot said:
“A lot of things happened on the last day, which is not always the case. Last season we hardly did anything. But the thing that pleases me most is getting the deal for Alex over the line.”
The Dutchman praised Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson for managing Isak’s workload during the international break. The 25-year-old, yet to feature at club level this season, was restricted to cameo appearances in Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia and 2-0 defeat against Kosovo.
“He gets one of the best, maybe the best striker in the world, and needs to play two very important games,” Slot said. “But he understood that playing him for two full matches would have risked injury. That’s not easy for a manager, so he deserves big credit. We’ll take the same approach — don’t expect Alex to play 90 minutes every game in the coming weeks.”
Slot explained that Isak missed three to four months of team sessions and would require a gradual build-up, especially with Liverpool facing a packed fixture list.
The manager also dismissed criticism aimed at Isak over his push to leave Newcastle, where he still had three years left on his contract.
“Sometimes people cheer for you, sometimes they criticise you — that’s part of our jobs,” he said. “Now he’s our player, and I’m really happy about that.”
Slot confirmed Liverpool were close to signing Guehi but stopped short of commenting on a future bid.
“It would be ridiculous to deny it, because it’s out in the open,” he admitted. “These things happen in football — sometimes players think they’re close to moving, and at the last moment, things change.”
While disappointed the deal fell through, Slot said Liverpool still have options at the back and noted that Guehi remains in a strong position at Palace.
“He’s playing with a very good manager, he’s won the Community Shield and FA Cup there, so let’s see what the future brings,” he added.
Liverpool, unbeaten in their opening three league games, face Burnley on Sunday as they chase a record 21st English league title.