Alexander Isak fitness alarm bells ring as £125m striker sets Liverpool debut target

Liverpool supporters are keen to see Alexander Isak don the red jersey as soon as possible following his last-minute transfer to the club. However, the £125million acquisition from Newcastle has raised questions about when he'll be ready to make his debut for the Reds.

Isak, 25, finally sealed a move to Anfield after a transfer saga that took centre stage throughout the summer. After an initial unsuccessful bid lodged in early August, Liverpool eventually announced the signing of the Swedish international for a British record fee two and a half hours post the closure of the transfer window on Monday evening.

The Kop faithful will be more eager than usual to witness the resumption of Premier League football in a fortnight's time. With it, most likely, will come Isak's inaugural appearance for Liverpool - provided he is deemed match fit.

After a summer that saw Isak effectively go on strike at Newcastle, missing the entirety of pre-season and the commencement of the 2025/2026 campaign, he is naturally far from being in top form.

Although Isak has trained alone, and even spent some time training at former club Real Sociedad over the summer, Liverpool's new No. 9 has confessed he will have to wait and see as to exactly when he can make his debut for the club.

"Yeah, of course," Isak said when asked by club media if he is targeting Liverpool's clash with Burnley on September 14 for his first run out in a red shirt.

"I think that's the ambition. However, I've had a tricky summer where I haven't played any games and I've had restricted training, so I think that's one to judge and to analyse where I am at and how much I am ready to give. But I certainly want to play as soon as possible."

Isak is now headed away on international duty having been selected by Sweden for two FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia on September 5 and Kosovo on September 8. Upon his return, and if deemed not fit enough to face Burnley, Isak could make his bow in either of two blockbuster ties for Liverpool.

The striker could feature for the Reds on Wednesday, September 17, when Arne Slot's men tackle their opening Champions League fixture of the campaign with a league phase encounter against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

For the latest breaking stories and headlines, sign up to our Daily Express LFC newsletter.

Isak also has the chance to make a fiery home Premier League bow for Liverpool against rivals Everton on Saturday, September 20. The forward netted 62 goals in 109 appearances across three seasons with Newcastle and helped them secure their first trophy in 70 years.

The Swede even found the net against Liverpool during the Magpies' Carabao Cup triumph at Wembley back in February.

However, Isak's transfer shattered his bond with his previous club irreparably, with both sides issuing sharp-worded statements regarding the controversy.

The 25-year-old confessed that finally clinching his switch to the Premier League champions has brought considerable relief, with his attention now firmly fixed on taking to the field as soon as possible.

"It's mixed emotions - some relief but a lot of pride, happiness," he added.

"I'm just happy it's done and that I can get back to work. I'm looking forward to seeing my team-mates and the fans, and getting back out there."