Premier League Champions Take Cautious Approach with New Record Signing
Liverpool’s new £125 million signing Alexander Isak was not included in Sunday’s matchday squad to face Burnley. The Swedish striker, who hadn’t played since the final day of last season, was ruled out due to fitness concerns.
Isak had limited involvement during the international break. He was an unused substitute against Slovenia and played only 18 minutes versus Kosovo. With no full pre-season behind him, the club opted to delay his debut. Isak’s move to Liverpool, confirmed as a British transfer record on a six-year deal, had already made him the most expensive signing in the club’s history days before this squad decision.
Slot: “We Have to Build Him Up Gradually”
Manager Arne Slot praised Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson for protecting Isak’s fitness:
“The Swedish manager deserves a big, big, big compliment. He had one of the best strikers in the world, but didn’t overplay him. That’s not easy.”
Slot emphasized that Isak is a long-term investment:
“He missed a proper pre-season. I think he missed three or four months of team sessions. We have to build him up gradually. We’ve signed him for six years, not just for the next two weeks.”
He asked fans to remain patient, confirming Isak’s involvement would be phased in to avoid risk.
Ekitike Starts as Liverpool Name Unchanged XI
With Isak unavailable, Hugo Ekitike continued up front. The starting XI remained unchanged from the 1-0 win over Arsenal.
Liverpool XI:
Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Gakpo, Salah, Ekitike
Bench:
Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Bradley, Chiesa, Robertson, Frimpong, Nyoni, Ngumoha
Burnley Stick with Familiar Lineup
Burnley also kept a consistent setup. Lyle Foster led the line as transfer-linked players remained involved.
Burnley XI:
Dubravka; Walker, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman; Cullen, Ugochukwu; Tchaouna, Laurent, Anthony; Foster
Bench:
Weiß, Worrall, Edwards, Humphreys, Florentino, Flemming, Pires, Broja, Hannibal
What happened next
Slot’s caution didn’t last long. Isak made his Liverpool debut just three days after this squad news, starting and playing 58 minutes in a Champions League win over Atlético Madrid, then came off the bench in the Merseyside Derby for his Premier League debut. He scored his first goal for the club on September 23, 2025. For more on the build-up to his move, see our earlier report on Isak’s Newcastle exit statement.
