Arne Slot has broken his silence on Alexander Isak’s record move to Liverpool, describing the striker’s arrival as a huge boost for the club.
The 25-year-old was signed from Newcastle United on deadline day in a deal worth £125million ($169m), but with the international break falling immediately after the transfer window closed, Slot had not spoken publicly about the transfer until his pre-Burnley press conference on Friday.
“The thing that pleased me most is us getting the deal for Alex over the line. Richard [Hughes], the ownership, everyone worked so hard to get the deal done, so it is very good for the club, for the fans, the players, for me that all the work they put in resulted in Alex signing for us,” Slot said.
Arne Slot Breaks Silence On Alexander Isak’s Record Move To Liverpool
Isak linked up with his new team-mates for the first time at the AXA Training Centre on Wednesday. However, he is still building up his sharpness after a disrupted summer. He played just 18 minutes across Sweden’s recent fixtures, with manager Jon Dahl Tomasson leaving him out against Slovenia before using him as a substitute in the defeat to Kosovo.
Given his current condition, Isak is not expected to start against Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday. Slot praised Sweden’s handling of the forward and confirmed Liverpool will take the same cautious approach.
“I think the Swedish manager deserves a big compliment because he gets maybe the best striker in the world but understands that if he plays him for 90 minutes, he could be injured for multiple weeks,” he said.
“We will treat Alex the same. Don’t expect him to be 90 minutes every week over the upcoming weeks. Now we have to build him up gradually with hardly any training time. That will be a challenge, but we have not signed him for the next few weeks, but for the next six years.
“I did feel all the way that we needed an extra attacking player and I’m so pleased we managed to get him.”
Federico Chiesa has been left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad for the group stage of the 2025/26 season.
The Italian winger, who many expected to leave this summer but stayed at Anfield, was the notable omission when Liverpool announced their 22-man List A squad on Wednesday.
Liverpool could not register a full 25 players because of Uefa’s homegrown rules. Only 17 places are available for non-homegrown players on List A, meaning Arne Slot had to make a tough call. Chiesa was the player left out, while Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo and 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha all made the cut.
Uefa rules state clubs must have at least eight locally trained players in their squad. If they fall short the overall squad size is reduced. A locally trained player is someone who spent three years at an English academy between the ages of 15 and 21.
Liverpool therefore named 22 senior players for List A, with Trey Nyoni and Jayden Danns included on List B, which is for academy players born after 1 January 2004 who have been with the club since their 15th birthday. Ngumoha, who joined last summer, does not qualify as homegrown and so had to be registered in the senior squad.
Chiesa left out of Liverpool Champions League squad for 2025-26
Chiesa has played in all three opening league games this season, but did so as a substitute in each match. He scored off the bench against Bournemouth in August and has started just one Premier League game since his arrival at the club. He could still be added to the Champions League squad if Liverpool progress to the knockout stages, when squads can be changed.
Liverpool face a demanding group phase with Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Qarabag, plus away trips to Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt, Inter Milan and Marseille.
Liverpool’s Champions League squad (List A):Alisson, Mamardashvili, Woodman, Gomez, Endo, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez, Bradley, Leoni, Robertson, Frimpong, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Jones, Gravenberch, Isak, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike, Ngumoha.
Harvey Elliott has sent an emotional message to Liverpool and its fans following his deadline-day move to Aston Villa.
The 22-year-old boyhood Red has been part of the club’s journey for six years, from watching Liverpool lose the 2018 Champions League final in Kyiv to lifting the trophy in Madrid a year later. Despite growing up supporting the club and previously saying he had no plans to leave, Elliott was in tears at Anfield on the final day of the 2024/25 season as his exit drew nearer.
Aston Villa won the race for Elliott’s signature, fending off interest from RB Leipzig, while the midfielder also turned down approaches from West Ham and his former club Fulham earlier in the summer.
Following the move, the 22-year-old took to Instagram to reflect on his time with the Reds, sharing a message full of gratitude and emotion:
“When I joined Liverpool in 2019, it was a dream come true for me and my family. As a young child, I travelled the world supporting the team as a fan, and words will never be able to explain the feeling I had when I pulled on that famous red shirt for the first time as a player.
To the incredible Liverpool fans. Thank you for making me one of your own and for always supporting me through both good and tough times. I’ll always cherish the bond we have together. I will always have Liverpool in my heart.
It’s now time for a new challenge. I am incredibly ambitious and feel that at this stage of my career, it’s important to be in an environment where I’m able to have the opportunity to play and progress as much as possible. Thank you all for everything. See you soon! YNWA”
Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United in a British record transfer worth £125million ($169m).
The 25-year-old striker has agreed a six-year contract after completing his medical at the AXA Training Centre on Monday. His switch to Anfield eclipses the previous record deal that took Enzo Fernandez to Chelsea for £107m in 2023.
Isak’s move brings an end to a turbulent summer that saw him refuse to play in Newcastle’s opening three fixtures and train away from the first-team squad. The Sweden international had publicly criticised the Magpies on social media, accusing the club of breaking promises over his future, which caused tension behind the scenes.
Liverpool Complete Record £125m Deal For Alexander Isak
Liverpool had an initial £110m bid turned down last month, but negotiations continued into the final days of the window. An agreement was finally struck over the weekend for a straight £125m fee, with no add-ons. Reports suggesting the cost could rise to £130m include solidarity payments, which Newcastle will avoid paying.
For Arne Slot’s side, Isak’s arrival is the latest sign of ambition in a record-breaking summer. He becomes the club’s eighth senior addition following Giorgi Mamardashvili, Freddie Woodman, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. In total, Liverpool have now spent close to $420m on new players.
Isak joins a squad already boasting in-form striker Ekitike, who has scored in each of his first three Premier League appearances since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt. But the Swede’s record fee and proven pedigree – 54 goals in 86 league games- make him the focal point of Liverpool’s attack going forward.
The deal also ends months of speculation over his future and delivers the Reds one of Europe’s top forwards just as he prepares to join up with Sweden for World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Liverpool have added Brazilian coach Luiz Fernando Iubel to Arne Slot’s backroom ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Iubel will join on September 1 as an individual development lead coach, working with the first team, under-21s, under-18s, and players out on loan.
The 36-year-old arrives from Atletico Mineiro, where he was assistant coach. He brings experience in developing young talent who have gone on to play in Europe. Iubel speaks Portuguese and English, and also some Spanish and German.
Liverpool Appoint Luiz Fernando Iubel As Individual Development Coach
His arrival allows Aaron Briggs to focus solely on first-team set-pieces. Briggs, 38, had previously handled both development and set-piece duties.
Iubel’s role is similar to that of Vitor Matos under Jurgen Klopp, acting as a bridge between Liverpool’s academy and senior squad.
Liverpool have also made other coaching changes this summer. Giovanni van Bronckhorst joins as assistant coach, while Xavi Valero and Colin Stewart take over as goalkeeping coaches.
Liverpool travel to St James’ Park on Monday night looking to build on their opening-day win when they face Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Arne Slot’s team began the campaign with a lively 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, with new signings Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong all starting. Goals from Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah ensured every forward opened their account, underlining the Reds’ attacking firepower.
The result was encouraging, but defensive concerns remain. Bournemouth found space too easily and punished lapses at the back. Even so, Liverpool’s cutting edge going forward showed clear signs of a side ready to mount another title challenge.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool – Preview
The Alexander Isak saga dominates the build-up. The striker, valued at £150m, remains frozen out as he pushes for a move to Anfield. Without him, Newcastle drew 0-0 at Aston Villa on opening day despite playing the final half-hour against ten men. Anthony Gordon led the line, recording a matchday-high seven shots, but his finishing let him down.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats
That stalemate extended Newcastle’s scoreless run in the league to four games without Isak. In that stretch, Eddie Howe’s men have attempted 47 shots worth 5.57 expected goals but failed to convert (Opta). Their defence and home record remain strong, but the lack of a cutting edge is a growing concern.
Elsewhere, Liverpool started the season with a lively 4-2 win over Bournemouth at Anfield. Goals from Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah ensured all four forwards were off the mark, highlighting the variety of attacking threats in Arne Slot’s team.
The result came with concerns at the back. The Reds conceded twice and were caught on the break too easily, exposing the same defensive gaps that hurt them at times last season.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats
Even so, Liverpool’s attacking record is hard to match. Under Slot, Liverpool has scored 90 goals in 39 league games, averaging 2.3 per match, the best rate for any Liverpool manager in the top flight (Opta). If they score on
Monday, they will equal their longest-ever Premier League scoring streak of 36 games, first set between 2019 and 2020. Salah remains the main danger man, with 10 goals and eight assists against Newcastle in the league.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool – Team News
Alexander Isak will not be involved as his dispute with the club continues, with Eddie Howe calling it a “lose-lose situation.” The striker remains Newcastle’s only absentee, while Joe Willock is close to a return after missing pre-season with a calf problem.
Summer signing Jacob Ramsey is available after joining from Aston Villa, but Howe may hold him back for now. That means Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga and Harvey Barnes are the main options in attack, with Barnes pushing to start on the left.
Newcastle United vs Liverpool: Preview, Team News & Key Stats
Meanwhile, Conor Bradley has returned to training after missing the Community Shield and Liverpool’s Premier League opener. Arne Slot confirmed that the right-back joined the group for a short session on August 21, but he may not be ready to start. Joe Gomez is also being eased back after an Achilles issue, with his fitness carefully managed.
Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with a hamstring injury picked up against Bournemouth and will not return until after the international break. With both first-choice right-backs doubtful, Slot may turn to emergency cover in Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo or even Curtis Jones. The return of Ryan Gravenberch from suspension, meanwhile, gives Liverpool added depth in midfield.
Head-to-Head & Previous Meetings
Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup last season with a 2-1 win over Liverpool, but in the league, it has been a very different story. The Magpies have not beaten the Reds in the Premier League since December 2015, when an own goal from Martin Škrtel and a strike from Georginio Wijnaldum sealed a 2-0 victory.
Since then, Liverpool are unbeaten in 17 league meetings, winning 12 and drawing five. Last season brought a 2-0 win at Anfield courtesy of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, while December’s clash at St James’ Park ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, with Newcastle equalising in stoppage time.
Key Stats
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 17 Premier League games against Newcastle (12 wins, 5 draws) since December 2015.
The Reds have scored in 21 straight away league matches – one more at St James’ Park would set a new club record.
Mohamed Salah has 10 goals and 8 assists against Newcastle in the Premier League, setting up at least one goal in six consecutive meetings – a record in the competition.
Salah’s next strike will take him to 188 Premier League goals, moving him outright fourth on the all-time scorers list.
Hugo Ekitike could become the first Liverpool player since Daniel Sturridge in 2013 to score in his first three games for the club.
Newcastle have won six of their last seven league matches at St James’ Park, losing only once in that run (to Everton).
Jacob Murphy has delivered 10 goal contributions in his last 12 Premier League home appearances (5 goals, 5 assists).
Liverpool arrive on Tyneside full of attacking confidence and with Salah chasing more records. Ekitike’s bright start has added a new dimension to Slot’s frontline, while Newcastle face serious questions about where their goals will come from without Isak.
The Magpies can rely on home support and Howe’s organisation, but if Liverpool tighten up defensively, they will be favourites to extend their long unbeaten run in this fixture to 18 matches.
Liverpool’s record-equalling 20th league title was sealed with a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on the final day at Anfield.
It was a night full of history and emotion at Anfield. Alan Hansen, the last Liverpool captain to lift the league trophy in front of supporters, handed it over to Virgil van Dijk.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also said goodbye to the fans in his final game for the club. Mohamed Salah collected both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award after another brilliant season.
Alisson Becker Explains Viral Crossbar Celebration After Title Win
But one of the most talked-about moments came from Alisson Becker. The Brazilian goalkeeper climbed onto the crossbar at the Kop end, sitting on top of it as fans sang his name.
Speaking to Men in Blazers, Alisson explained: “Pure joy. Pure joy. I wish I could have maybe a camera in my head so you could have the same vision of the Kop that I had up there.
It was a great feeling celebrating with the fans, being able to celebrate finally the Premier League with the fans. One thing that we lacked the first time we won it. So it was great.”
Alisson also shared a funny moment with Ryan Gravenberch, who had been sent off earlier in the game. As the Dutch midfielder came forward to lift the trophy, Alisson jokingly flashed him a pretend red card, sparking laughter around the squad.
From Hansen’s symbolic handover to Van Dijk, Salah’s record-equalling season, and Alisson’s crossbar celebration, it was a night Anfield will never forget.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is confident Federico Chiesa will play a bigger role for the Reds this season, describing the Italian forward as being “totally different” since returning from the summer break.
Chiesa, who missed the pre-season tour of Asia and attracted interest from Serie A clubs, made an immediate impact off the bench in Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth, scoring the winning goal. Arne Slot believes that the goal reflected more than just a moment of brilliance.
“I see a totally different Federico now than through large parts of last season,” Arne Slot told reporters in his pre-Newcastle press conference on Thursday.
“Which is completely normal, because he missed out on the whole pre-season and then came into a Premier League rhythm in terms of amount of games and in terms of intensity. He’s in a much better place now.”
The Dutch manager explained that Chiesa’s renewed fitness and focus mean he could have a greater impact throughout the campaign. “If he’s more available, then he already has more chances to impact our results or his playing time,” he added.
‘Totally Different Federico’ – Arne Slot Sees Expanded Role For Chiesa At Liverpool
With the departures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz this summer, Liverpool’s senior attacking options are now limited to Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Hugo Ekitike, and Chiesa, with 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha available in support. Slot highlighted how Chiesa’s fitness gives the Reds more tactical depth:
“When we needed a goal and I looked to the bench, I only had him and Rio. For me, although Rio did really well in pre-season, it was quite a normal choice to make to bring Chiesa in, and he delivered.”
Chiesa himself has also underlined his commitment to Liverpool after netting his first Premier League goal.
“I play wherever the coach puts me. I arrived here and had a lot of difficulty because the tempo is just so different, but after a year, I finally got my first Premier League goal. The coach gave me a chance and always had words of encouragement for me,” he explained.
“We will talk to Liverpool, but to be perfectly honest, I am happy here. I am playing for one of the best teams in the world. I just have to wait and be ready, as I was tonight, and prove that I can play for this team. I repeat, the coach has treated me very well in these months.”
With Chiesa more settled, fitter, and determined to show his quality, Arne Slot’s belief in a “totally different” Federico could prove decisive for Liverpool this season.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot remained tight-lipped on the club’s summer transfer activity when asked about Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi during his pre-Newcastle press conference on Thursday.
The Reds head to St. James’ Park on Monday following weeks of speculation around Isak, who has publicly stated he wants to leave Newcastle. Reports suggest Liverpool’s £110m bid for the Swedish striker was rejected, while Crystal Palace is said to have turned down two offers for captain Marc Guehi. Slot, however, refused to dwell on the rumours.
“What I can tell you is not a lot,” he told reporters. “If somebody else is going to ask that question, it’s going to be the same answer. Federico [Chiesa] came in and scored a goal on Friday, and it would be much nicer to talk about the players we have.”
Arne Slot Responds To Alexander Isak And Marc Guehi Transfer Links
The Dutch manager stressed that his focus is on preparing the squad for the match rather than discussing potential transfers:
“It’s nothing to do with anything that’s in the media a lot, but I think if you go to Newcastle, you know what to expect. They are a very good team, intense, and comfortable on the ball — one of the best in the league.”
He also reflected on last season’s encounters with the Magpies, noting their high intensity in both league and cup matches.
On the fitness front, Liverpool will welcome back Ryan Gravenberch, who missed the opening weekend victory over Bournemouth due to suspension. Slot highlighted the midfielder’s impact:
“If he’s the same player as he was last season, that could help us a lot. With him not being there, and us playing with very good but attacking-minded players, that hurt us. His return will strengthen the squad.”
Liverpool have been active in the 2025 summer transfer window, making significant moves to strengthen their squad.
The Reds have made the highest summer spending in the Premier League, investing around £295.5 million. They have brought in players such as Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong, Giovanni Leoni, Freddie Woodman, Ármin Pécsi, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Despite this substantial investment, manager Arne Slot has expressed satisfaction with the current squad ahead of the trip to St James’ Park for Monday’s game. He emphasized the importance of balance, stating,
“No, I don’t think so, because then I would be unhappy with the squad we have, and I’m very, very happy about the squad we have.”
Arne Slot highlighted the ideal of having two players for each position but noted the challenges of managing a large squad:
‘Only If Things Are Right…’ – Arne Slot Drops Potential Transfer Hint
“I’ve always said that having two for each position is ideal, but I prefer less than more because then you have to disappoint so many players every time, and they’re not even in the squad, let alone playing.”
He further clarified that any future signings would be considered only if they align with the club’s criteria:
“As always, if we think we can improve in a certain position and there’s a player available who can really make us better – which you could see with Giovanni Leoni – then this club has always shown that they can bring these players in, but only if things are right, the right transfer fee, the right player, the right position, and a player who wants to come to us.”
While Slot has made it clear he’s happy with the squad, Liverpool remains active in the transfer market. A £110m bid for Alexander Isak was said to have been turned down by Newcastle, while Crystal Palace rejected two offers for Marc Guehi.
The club may still look to strengthen before the window closes, especially if injuries hit, but any additions will need to be the right fit for both the team and the club’s plans
/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_bc8228b6673f488aa253bbcb03c80ec5/internal_photos/bs/2023/d/a/B0BoiHS5eApdquGRaMjA/52895706339-277db19b9d-c.jpg)
