Major ‘red flags’ showing over record-breaking Liverpool signing | OneFootball

Red Flags Starting to Show Over Liverpool’s Record-Breaking Signing

Big money signings always come with big scrutiny, especially at a club that has just won the Premier League under a new manager. Arne Slot’s debut title season raised standards across the squad, and any player arriving for £125m was never going to be judged gently. That is the backdrop to the growing conversation around Alexander Isak, a conversation sharpened by comments from Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Fan Focus podcast.

Since his deadline day arrival, Isak’s return of two goals and one assist across all competitions tells its own story. Fitness issues have disrupted rhythm, while Liverpool’s attacking structure has evolved rapidly around him. That combination has created uncertainty, and in a title winning side, uncertainty rarely lasts long.

Dave Davis on selection and current pecking order

Dave Davis was direct in his assessment of where Isak stands right now. As he put it, “In Liverpool’s strongest lineup right now, I don’t care what anyone says, Alexander Isak isn’t there.” That line cuts to the core of the issue. Liverpool are no longer searching for a functioning system, they have one, and selection is ruthless.

Davis went further by underlining who has seized the opportunity instead. “Hugo Ekitike has to be the first attacking name on the teamsheet.” The contrast between the two forwards is stark. Ekitike, signed for £69m, already has ten goals across all competitions. He looks sharp, physically ready, and tactically aligned with Slot’s demands. In elite football, form quickly becomes currency.

Fit within Slot’s attacking structure

There is nuance here, and Davis acknowledged it. “We haven’t been playing to Isak’s strengths but his performances haven’t been great.” Slot’s Liverpool relies on relentless tempo, aggressive pressing, and explosive transitions. That demands sharp movement and physical readiness, especially from the central striker.

One moment in the 2-0 win over Brighton summed it up memorably. “There’s one moment on Saturday where Liverpool are on the break and he is overtook by Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk!” It was an image that travelled fast among supporters, not because of mockery, but because it highlighted a deeper concern around sharpness and confidence.

Pressure, AFCON and minutes ahead

Importantly, the criticism has not been framed as personal. “This isn’t about banging on Alexander Isak, but it’s about objectively saying that we spent £125m on a striker that isn’t doing the business and isn’t fit.” Objectivity matters, especially when context looms large.

That context includes Mohamed Salah heading off to AFCON. As Davis noted, “We need him now more than ever with Mohamed Salah heading off to AFCON.” Opportunities will come, partly because of squad needs, and partly because Slot has limited alternatives. “We know that Arne Slot doesn’t fancy Federico Chiesa, so Isak is going to get minutes and he needs to perform because there is a few red flags creeping in now.”

For Isak, the next stretch feels defining. Liverpool are stable, successful, and demanding. That leaves little room for grace periods. The quality is there, but at a club moving this fast, potential must quickly turn into impact.