Liverpool icon Ian Rush has told manager Arne Slot to remain patient with Alexander Isak, admitting the club’s record signing still looks short of match sharpness.
The Reds spent heavily in the 2025 summer window — around £450 million in total — as Slot rebuilt the squad that stormed to the Premier League title last season. Among the new arrivals were Florian Wirtz (£116 m), Hugo Ekitike (£70 m), and Isak, whose £125 m move from Newcastle set a new British transfer record.
Despite the fanfare, the Sweden striker’s start has been muted. He’s scored only once in six games since joining, and Rush believes the lack of a pre-season has clearly affected him.
Rush urges patience with Liverpool’s new record man
Speaking to talkSPORT, Rush said Isak was still recovering his sharpness after a chaotic summer that saw him frozen out at Newcastle before his deadline-day switch.
“I think Isak, he just needs match fitness at the moment because what happened in the summer, I think he’s still not match fit. So we’ve got to bring him in slowly. Ekitike’s been fantastic for us — he’s most probably the main man at the moment.” — Ian Rush, *talkSPORT*
Isak trained away from Newcastle’s senior squad after declaring his intention to leave and missed their Asia tour, meaning he arrived at Anfield well behind schedule. Liverpool’s coaching staff have since placed him on a personalised training programme to rebuild his fitness.
Arne Slot’s £450 million rebuild faces early tests
Slot’s new-look Liverpool have shown flashes of their old intensity but remain inconsistent in front of goal. Wirtz has struggled to adapt to the Premier League tempo, while Ekitike’s pace and pressing have made him an early fan favourite.
Rush, however, insists Isak will come good once fully fit.
“I think every club in the world would like to sign him. The way he performed last season was incredible. I watched him in the Carabao Cup final when he played against Liverpool — he was probably man of the match.” — Ian Rush, *CGTN Sports Scene*
| Stat (2025/26) | Alexander Isak |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 6 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Shots on Target per 90 | 1.4 |
source: sofascore match data – 15 October 2025
The numbers underline Rush’s point — Isak is still finding rhythm. His link-up play has improved, but his finishing touch remains rusty after months of stop-start preparation.
Analyst verdict – time and patience key
In my view, Liverpool were always going to need patience with Isak. His profile — tall, technical, intelligent — suits Slot’s fluid attack, but he’s playing catch-up physically.
FootballPlace analyst John William adds:
“Liverpool’s pressing relies on conditioning, and Isak missed the entire pre-season. Once he’s fully integrated, he’ll repay that £125 million fee. Rush’s comments are spot-on — it’s about rhythm, not talent.”
Key insights
- Ian Rush warns Isak “still isn’t match-fit” after chaotic summer move.
- Liverpool spent around £450 m rebuilding under Arne Slot.
- Isak’s £125 m transfer broke the British record.
- Rush praises Ekitike’s impact but urges patience with Isak.
- Swede has one goal in six appearances so far.
What’s next for Liverpool and Isak?
Liverpool return to Premier League action against Manchester United on 19 October, followed by a Champions League trip to Eintracht Frankfurt three days later. Slot is expected to continue rotating Isak and Ekitike as the striker regains full sharpness.
For Isak, the coming weeks are about fitness and confidence. If he starts scoring regularly, Rush’s faith in him could soon look prophetic.
👉 Can Alexander Isak silence the early critics and justify Liverpool’s record investment?
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