Alexis Mac Allister has admitted that he and his Liverpool teammates were left frustrated by the lengthy transfer saga involving Alexander Isak before the striker finally sealed his record-breaking move to Anfield.
The Swedish forward had long set his sights on joining the Premier League champions, but negotiations between Liverpool and Newcastle United dragged on throughout the summer. The deal was only finalized on deadline day, with both clubs agreeing on a British-record £125 million fee. During that time, Isak was sidelined from Newcastle’s pre-season activities, leaving him short of fitness on arrival.
Isak made his debut in Liverpool’s 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, playing just under an hour before being substituted. The Reds went on to secure the win with a late Virgil van Dijk goal, continuing a pattern of last-gasp triumphs under Arne Slot this season.
Reflecting on the saga, Mac Allister told TNT Sports (via Liverpool Echo):
—“At first, the process dragged on too long, and we got a bit tired of it. But everyone knows what kind of player he is. He’s going to be very important, and we’re happy to have him here.”
The Argentine midfielder also recognized Newcastle’s frustration with losing their star striker but insisted the move ultimately worked for all parties:
—“Maybe the other club isn’t happy, but that’s how football works. They paid a lot, so I think it’s good for both clubs. It’s good for him because it’s what he wanted, and we’re happy because we know the quality he brings. We’ve even struggled against him a few times.”
Liverpool’s transfer business saw Isak headline a summer of big arrivals, offset by notable departures including Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Harvey Elliott, Ben Doak, Tyler Morton, Jarell Quansah, and Caoimhin Kelleher.
The Reds now turn their focus to Saturday’s Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park (12:30 PM kick-off). While fans are eager to see Isak make his Premier League debut, his limited pre-season preparation may mean Slot continues to manage his minutes carefully.
