Alexander Isak will step back onto the turf of St James' Park this Sunday, but the occasion is unlikely to be a warm, nostalgic reunion for the Swedish forward. The atmosphere in Newcastle is expected to be charged, with supporters ready to voice their disappointment—a sentiment that lies beyond Isak's control. His primary focus must remain on earning the approval of Liverpool fans, whose colours he now wears.
The match serves as a classic Premier League opener, arriving exactly one year after the striker’s explosive remark that his bond with Newcastle "cannot continue" because of broken promises and a loss of trust. A year later, the promise of his Liverpool career remains largely unfulfilled. Last season, Isak missed the direct confrontation with his former club, yet his presence was felt in the background.
Some observers argue that the true Isak has yet to reappear on the pitch. Scoring only three league goals for Liverpool last term, he barely justified the £130 million fee Liverpool shelled out for his services. Complicating matters, Isak arrived at Anfield without a proper pre‑season, lacking full fitness and consequently struggling to hit the ground running.
A fractured fibula sustained in December further robbed him of the rhythm that strikers need to build confidence. Nevertheless, the hefty price tag reflects the belief that he possesses the qualities of a top‑class forward. The hostility awaiting him in the Gallowgate End mirrors a sense of betrayal among Newcastle faithful, but it also underscores his impressive record. In his final two seasons with the Magpies, only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah outscored him in the Premier League.
He famously netted the decisive goal against Liverpool that ended a 56‑year trophy drought for Newcastle, showcasing a blend of elegance and clinical finishing that endeared him to the Tyneside crowd. Rehashing the drama of last summer serves little purpose; what is clear is that Isak’s inaugural season in a Liverpool shirt was largely squandered. Fans have not witnessed the fluid, effortless finishes that once made him look as if he were gliding across the pitch, always seeming to have time on his side.
Now, at 27 years old, the onus is on him to turn the tide. This fixture, steeped in personal significance, is more about shaping his future than revisiting the past.
One year after a record‑breaking transfer, can he still become the player Liverpool envisioned when they invested heavily in him? At the start of pre‑season, Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola expressed optimism: "He performed well at the World Cup. He will have three or four weeks of quality training, and I hope we can place him in a good position because he will be massive for us this season." Unlike many players who might be fatigued after a major tournament, Iraola believes Isak’s World Cup experience should be an asset rather than a hindrance.
There have been encouraging signs. Isak found the net against Monaco in a friendly, and his movement against Como required a keen eye to track. His most striking moment came early in that game: a measured, angled strike that curled into the far post with effortless precision, leaving the goalkeeper grasping at air. It was a textbook example of Isak at his best—prioritising accuracy over sheer power.
Beyond scoring, there were glimpses of his willingness to press high up the pitch. In the 14th minute against Como, he attempted a quick touch back, forcing Florian Wirtz into a hurried decision.
This brand of pressing is something Iraola demands, and Isak will need to incorporate it more consistently. After the match, the Liverpool boss commented, "I am asking them to do things a little differently, especially without the ball, and I think they are trying to get it." Isak himself reflected after the Monaco game, saying, "We are all working hard to make things work." Physical attributes, rather than technical flaws, appear to be the main barrier to his success.
Last season, Isak outperformed his expected goals for a fourth consecutive Premier League campaign, confirming his innate finishing ability. Yet, he struggled to convert the chances created by teammates, a problem highlighted by Arne Slot’s criticism of the team’s inefficiency in front of goal. Consequently, Isak’s strike‑rate fell to its lowest level since his arrival in England.
The likely culprit is fitness. His top speed dipped last season, and rediscovering that burst of pace is essential. In the sixth minute of the Como encounter, fans applauded his chase down the right flank, even though he failed to reach the ball—a reminder that his physical sharpness needs restoration. Inter‑player chemistry also requires work.
After Monaco, Wirtz spoke about improving their link‑up play, but the partnership failed to click over the weekend. Their best moment came early in the second half when Wirtz set up Isak, only for the Swedish striker to send a shot wide of the target. Other near‑misses peppered the game: Isak hesitated on the edge of the box after 70 seconds, allowing a chance to evaporate; Cody Gakpo’s darting run was undermined by a loose touch from Isak; and a dummy by Dominik Szoboszlai left him flat‑footed. These fragments hint at potential, yet they fall short of the decisive proof that he is fully fit and ready to fulfil the role Liverpool paid for—a reliable goal‑machine and match‑winner.
When he walks onto the St James’ Park pitch on Sunday afternoon, the eyes of both Newcastle and Liverpool supporters will be fixed on him. It will be a test of whether he can silence critics, revive the form that once made him a top‑flight striker, and begin to rewrite the narrative of his Liverpool tenure. The stakes are high, but the opportunity to turn the page is unmistakable.