Alexander Isak has been asked a version of the same question for a year, usually with an edge to it: does he regret leaving Newcastle for Liverpool? His answer, given to BBC Sport's The Football Interview this week, was short. "No, never. I would never think like that."
The move happened on deadline day in September 2025 for £125m, a British record, after a summer in which Isak stayed away from Newcastle's pre-season and trained instead at Real Sociedad, his former club. He said at the time that promises made to him on Tyneside had been broken. It ended with him at Anfield.
"It was pretty clear"
"Liverpool is a massive club, and everything about the club made it pretty clear," the Sweden striker said. "And the club's ambition and the club's will to get me in as well. It was a big part of it."
The first season did not go the way anyone drew it up. Three Premier League goals, 1,032 minutes across 22 appearances, and a broken leg that took him out from December until April. He has already matched that league tally this season after four games.
"Anyone who had a long injury would know," he said of the layoff. "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."
The summer helped. Isak made his World Cup debut for Sweden, scored once and set up three more before Graham Potter's side went out to France in the last 32. For a player who had barely played, a tournament was the best thing available. "With the injuries last season, the World Cup was perfect. I had that period where I could play and gain rhythm and form."
Iraola wants him defending
Andoni Iraola replaced Arne Slot in the summer and has already had a conversation with his centre-forward about work off the ball. Liverpool have made more sprints than any other side in the Premier League this season, which is not an accident.
"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," Isak said. "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."
He thinks the style suits what the squad needs rather than what he personally 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 if we can do that then we should score more goals."
No numbers on the wall
Isak has 60 Premier League goals. His best return came in 2024-25 at Newcastle, when he scored 23. Ask him for a target this season and he declines to give one.
"Everyone knows that success for this club is winning trophies," he said. "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."
Transfer context: Alexander Isak, 26, joined Liverpool from Newcastle United on 1 September 2025 for a British record £125m. He has 60 Premier League goals in total and has scored three in four league games this season under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Liverpool travel to Bournemouth on Sunday.
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