Moving from Newcastle to Liverpool easy decision – Isak

Alexander Isak says joining Liverpool last summer was an “easy decision”.

The Swedish striker arrived from Newcastle on transfer deadline day in September 2025 for a British record transfer fee of £125m.

“[Liverpool] is a massive club, and everything about the club made it pretty clear,” he told BBC Sport’s The Football Interview.

“And the club’s ambition and the club’s will to get me in as well. It was a big part of it.”

Isak missed pre-season last summer and trained at his former club Real Sociedad amid uncertainty around his Newcastle future, saying promises made to him there had been “broken”.

However, he struggled for goals in his first season at Anfield before a leg break ruled him out from December to April.

This season the 26-year-old has already matched last season’s tally of three Premier League goals, after only four games.

Asked if there was ever a point last season when he regretted the move, Isak replied: “No, never. I would never think like that.”

He added: “[The leg break] was tough. Anyone who has had a long injury would know. But on the other hand, when you’re in a good place and when you feel good, you don’t really tend to look back because it doesn’t really benefit you.

“So I’m just looking forward and feel really optimistic and excited about the season, and what it can bring to us.”

Over the summer, Isak made his World Cup bow for Sweden after managing just 1,032 minutes for Liverpool over 22 appearances last season.

He scored once and assisted three goals for Graham Potter’s side before they were knocked out by France in the last 32.

“Playing for your country in a World Cup is a dream of most people,” said Isak.

“With the injuries last season, the World Cup was perfect. I had that period where I could play and gain rhythm and form.

“And, on top of that, it was a massive experience, so that was perfect to do and come back here for pre-season and to start the season.”

Defending from front is Liverpool’s ‘attacking weapon’

New Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot in the summer, has told Isak that he wants him to defend from the front as it is an “attacking weapon” for Liverpool.

“He asks me to be part of the defending but to defend in positions where, when we win the ball, we can counter quickly and get the ball forward to the offensive line,” said Isak.

“He said ‘score goals’, but he wants me to defend. The way we defend – we defend to score goals so defending, in the end, is an attacking weapon.”

Under Iraola, Liverpool are aiming to implement a front-foot and aggressive style of football. They have made the most sprints in the Premier League this season.

“He came with his football – the way he wants to play and the high intensity which I think will benefit me, the club and the way the club wants to play football,” added Isak.

On the style of football since Iraola joined, Isak says: “I think that’s what the team needs. It’s not just about getting the ball to me; it’s about getting the ball forward and to all of the offensive players quickly.

“I think that will benefit the team. I think if we can do that then we should score more goals.”

And Isak, who has 60 Premier League goals to his name, is determined to help bring silverware to Liverpool this year but insisted he is not someone who sets personal targets.

His most prolific Premier League season came with Newcastle in 2024-25 when he scored 23 goals.

“Everyone knows that success for this club is winning trophies,” said Isak. “I want to score every game. Everyone is different. Some like to set targets, and some don’t. I’m the one that doesn’t.”