Alexander Isak “isn’t ready yet” as Warnock predicts full Liverpool impact next season

Alexander Isak’s challenging start to life at Liverpool has come under further scrutiny, with former Reds defender Stephen Warnock insisting the Swedish forward “isn’t ready” to perform at his best until next season. The 26-year-old, who arrived from Newcastle United in a British-record £125m move on September 1, has scored just once in the Premier League for his new club.

Isak’s switch to Anfield unfolded under tense circumstances. After making clear his desire to leave Newcastle, he was excluded from first-team training by Eddie Howe and forced to work alone while waiting for negotiations to progress. That isolation deprived him of a full pre-season, leaving him without the conditioning, rhythm and competitive base that typically shape a striker’s early-season sharpness.

A groin injury suffered in October added another setback, further disrupting his ability to settle into Liverpool’s system. The contrast with last season — when he scored 23 goals for Newcastle and established himself as one of the Premier League’s most clinical forwards — has been stark.

Speaking to AceOdds, Warnock detailed how Isak’s disrupted preparation has left him playing catch-up.

“One of the things we discussed on my podcast with my fitness coach is that he’s not fit — and he won’t get fit until next season,” Warnock said. “When you come into a club without a proper pre-season, it’s very difficult to get up to speed.”

Warnock explained that individual training can never replicate the competitive intensity of a squad environment.

“If there’s a 1k run to do and the fitness coach gives you four minutes, you’ll just amble around and get it done. But if a teammate runs with you, it becomes competitive — that’s how you get your fitness. When he came to the football club, they put him on a mini pre-season, but even then he was running on his own.”

He recalled watching Isak during the Carabao Cup tie against Southampton:
“He played the first 45 minutes, then at half-time he started doing runs — again on his own. So those runs aren’t competitive. Nothing at Liverpool was pushing him physically.”

Warnock believes Liverpool fans must be patient:
“I just don’t think we’re going to see anything from Isak this year. He doesn’t look fit, sharp, or confident in his body to accelerate like he used to. People are thinking, ‘That’s not the Isak from Newcastle’ — well, he’s not fit enough for the Premier League at the highest level.”

Warnock also suggested Hugo Ekitike’s rapid rise may push Isak down the pecking order temporarily. The French forward has already scored 10 goals for Liverpool since his summer arrival and looks increasingly comfortable in Arne Slot’s system.

“We said on the podcast he won’t be ready till next season — and maybe that’s where we see Ekitike accelerate past him,” Warnock added. “Isak might have to bide his time.”

He also believes Liverpool originally intended to sign just one striker until Diogo Jota’s tragic death altered their transfer strategy.

“I don’t think they’d have signed both players otherwise,” Warnock said. “They realised they were short on numbers. I think they would have gone for Isak, and when Ekitike became available, they added him.”

Ekitike was initially expected to be phased in slowly, but instead has seized his opportunity.
“He thrives off playing for Liverpool. He loves it. I think he’s been outstanding,” Warnock said.

Liverpool travel to Tottenham on Saturday, where Isak may again feature as he works towards full sharpness. While the long-term expectation remains high, the view from those close to the game is clear: Liverpool may not see the true Alexander Isak until the 2026/27 campaign.

👉 Liverpool fans — should Isak remain first choice while he rebuilds fitness, or has Ekitike earned the starting role?