The offseason drama between Alexander Isak and his former club, Newcastle United FC, ultimately led to the striker signing a record-breaking $170 million contract to join Liverpool on September 1st, 2025. The Reds are coming off a dominant English Premier League (EPL) title in 2024-25 and successfully placed their £125 million bid on Isak, making him the most expensive signing in EPL history.
Isak’s first start with Liverpool happened this past weekend during the club’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace. The 26-year-old Swedish forward played 84 minutes during Liverpool’s first loss this season, finishing with three off-target shots, along with zero goals or assists.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot viewed Isak’s performance positively, despite an unimpressive stat sheet.
“He was very honest to stay on his feet - he got a little bit of a shirt pull, and that’s why he was unbalanced when he had to shoot, and that maybe was just enough, smart little push to get him unbalanced,” Slot commented about one of his missed shots on goal. “But he came closer and closer to a goal, but in the end, he didn’t score. Quite a good performance from him.”
Liverpool remains a heavy betting favorite to win the EPL for a second consecutive season at +175. Only Arsenal is ahead of The Reds at +125, even though they are sitting two points behind Liverpool in the latest table standings.
Soccer fans who believe Isak will get going and help his new team win back-to-back EPL titles can sign up with the latest bonus code for bet365. Choose a bet-and-get or first-bet welcome offer as a newly registered customer on bet365 to qualify for either $200 in bonus bets or up to a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net.
Based on Slot’s comments following Liverpool’s first loss, which coincided with Isak’s first start, there’s plenty of optimism surrounding the newly-signed striker’s production on the pitch. Last season, Isak scored a career-high 23 goals for Newcastle, following up 21 goals netted during the 2023-24 season.
It’s an adjustment period for Isak and Liverpool, who already roster one of the league’s most potent offensive attacks. Joining the likes of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo should only lead to more production from The Reds during the remainder of the 2025-26 EPL season.
Liverpool is currently awaiting a showdown against Chelsea on Saturday, October 4th. Isak’s ability to finish possessions in the back of the opponent’s net will soon be put on display, and the match against The Blues is a perfect opportunity to showcase why The Reds made him the most expensive signing in the history of the league.
Chelsea has allowed eight goals through six matches played. This ranks second-most amongst clubs currently sitting inside the top 10 in the EPL table. Isak’s Anytime Goal Scorer odds will be live against The Blues, as he’ll look to net his fourth goal against the club on Saturday.
There were chances for Isak to score in his first start with Liverpool, which would’ve allowed the club to avoid an outright loss. Although fans wanted more from him against Crystal Palace, the club is currently third in the EPL table, so it’s not a bad loss.
Isak’s manager is confident in his skillset, and he should be after the striker logged back-to-back seasons with over 20 goals scored. Sooner or later, the Swedish striker will return value in Liverpool’s remaining fixtures following his record-breaking contract with the defending champions.
