Premier League legend Alan Shearer believes Alexander Isak’s £125m move from Newcastle United to Liverpool has not worked out for any party.
The Sweden international pushed for the switch all summer, missing most of pre-season as Newcastle rejected an initial £110m bid before the deal was completed on deadline day.
However, a lack of sharpness saw Isak score just twice in his first 15 appearances. He netted in the 2-1 win at Tottenham in December, but suffered a serious leg injury in the same match that sidelined him until this month.
Since returning, the 26-year-old has failed to score in four games and has looked short of rhythm.
Shearer has questioned whether Isak will reach his previous level, having scored 62 goals in 109 games for Newcastle.
He also noted the Magpies have struggled to replace him, with big-money signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa yet to deliver.
“The Isak transfer has been disastrous for Newcastle, Liverpool, and himself,” said Shearer, who fired in 206 goals in 405 games for the Magpies.
“It really has not worked for any party. The money they paid out for him was a good fee that Newcastle got, but it just hasn’t worked for all three parties.
“I do not know the extent of how his injury has affected him or how much it has hurt him mentally this year.
“He looks like he will be fit for the World Cup with Sweden, and on paper, their forward line of (Viktor) Gyokeres, (Anthony) Elanga, Isak and (Dejan) Kulusevski looks decent.
“But until we know where he is mentally and physically, it is a hard question to answer whether he will be ever be as good as he was at Newcastle. It’s a lot to take on, what’s happened to him this season.”
Isak played 72 minutes as Liverpool beat Everton 2-1 in last Sunday’s Merseyside derby at Hill Dickinson Stadium, sealed by a late Virgil van Dijk header.
Victory over Crystal Palace would move the Reds eight points clear of sixth-placed Brighton in the race for a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
That remains the minimum target after a difficult campaign, and achieving it is expected to secure Arne Slot’s future at Anfield following last season’s title success.
Alan Shearer, speaking to Betfair, said: “There is no doubt Liverpool have had a poor season by their own standards, falling so far behind Arsenal and Manchester City. You have to look at their recruitment last summer and whether Slot was a big part of that, I don’t know the ins and outs of that football club.
“It would be very difficult to get rid of a manager who won the league the year before. Football is so small-minded in terms of what’s happening now rather than trying to look ahead and plan.
“Before a ball was kicked this season, almost everyone thought they were a shoo-in to win the Premier League. There are many reasons as to why this hasn’t happened.
“Ultimately, their recruitment has not worked this season. The Isak situation is clear for everyone; I know he’s had injuries, but even when he’s played, he’s been poor. (Milos) Kerkez hasn’t had a great season, nor has (Florian) Wirtz, nor has (Jeremie) Frimpong.
“The only one who really has had a good season is (Hugo) Ekitike and now he’s out long-term as well. So, very much like Newcastle, it goes down to recruitment. It hasn’t worked and they’re paying the price for that.
“Whether these players get better after a year in the Premier League, we’ll have to wait and see. My guess is with Slot, is if they get into the Champions League, I think he will be given the chance to go again.”
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