Liverpool travel to Turf Moor this weekend to face Burnley in a Premier League clash that is already carrying heavy drama, excitement, and tension before a ball is even kicked. This is not just another league game. This is the game where the entire football world is looking at one man, Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s new £125 million striker, the most expensive signing in British football history. He has arrived at Anfield after a long, exhausting, and bitter transfer saga that dominated the headlines all summer. Every Liverpool supporter has been waiting for this moment, waiting to see the tall Swedish forward wearing the red shirt, waiting to hear the Anfield roar greet him, waiting to see if he is the man who can lead this new era under Arne Slot. And now, that debut could finally happen, not from the start, but from the bench, at Turf Moor.
The story of how Isak arrived at Liverpool is already one for the books. This was not an easy transfer, not a straightforward negotiation. It was a war between clubs, a war of patience, power, and money. Newcastle United did not want to sell their prized striker, the man who had been their hero. Liverpool, on the other hand, were desperate to land a forward who could give them the cutting edge that was missing at crucial moments last season. Isak himself, a man known for his calm and cool personality, took a bold step. He stopped training with Newcastle’s first-team squad, forcing the issue, putting pressure on the club, and making it clear that his heart was set on Anfield.
For weeks, nothing seemed to move. Newcastle stood firm, Liverpool refused to back down, and Isak remained in limbo. Fans watched as reports changed daily—one moment it looked like the deal was off, the next moment it seemed closer than ever. And then, on Deadline Day, history was made. Liverpool announced the capture of Alexander Isak for £125 million, smashing not only their transfer record but also the all-time British transfer fee record. It was a signing that sent shockwaves through the football world. Pep Guardiola could not resist making a comment, saying that Erling Haaland was still better than Isak, but deep down even Manchester City felt the pressure. Liverpool had made a statement, and the Premier League knew it.
But the fairytale arrival had its complications. Isak did not play a single pre-season game for Newcastle because of his transfer stand-off. He was not match sharp, he was not physically ready for 90 minutes of Premier League football. Immediately after signing for Liverpool, he flew off for international duty with Sweden. There, coach Jon Dahl Tomasson was careful, almost protective, after speaking with Liverpool boss Arne Slot and the medical teams. Isak was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw against Slovenia, and in the next match against Kosovo he played just 18 minutes. Sweden lost that game 2-0 in Pristina, and it was clear that Isak was still working his way back to full fitness.
Now, after a few training sessions with his new Liverpool teammates, the reality is clear: he is not yet ready to start. Arne Slot knows the expectations, he knows the Liverpool supporters are hungry, but he also knows that rushing Isak into the starting eleven could cause more harm than good. Slot has tried to calm things down, saying the striker will be eased into the team, carefully, step by step. Liverpool have huge games on the horizon, against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and then the Merseyside derby against Everton. Slot cannot afford to gamble with his record signing.
That is why, on Sunday at Turf Moor, the most likely scenario is that Isak will be on the bench, ready for a cameo appearance if needed. The fans may have to wait a little longer to see him from the start, but the sight of him warming up, the sight of him stepping onto the pitch, even if only for 15 minutes, will be enough to create a storm of excitement. Liverpool supporters will rise to their feet, the cameras will focus, and the Premier League will welcome its newest superstar.
While all the focus is on Isak, Liverpool’s squad news brings more stories. Curtis Jones will not feature. The young midfielder, who has been improving and showing signs of maturity, picked up a knock in the victory over Arsenal before the international break. Slot confirmed that he will miss the Burnley game, a small blow to the squad depth in midfield. But there is also positive news. Jeremie Frimpong, the electric right-back signed in the summer, is back in training after missing two matches with a hamstring issue. His return gives Slot a big decision to make.
Dominik Szoboszlai, one of Liverpool’s brightest performers so far this season, stepped into the right-back role when Frimpong was injured, and he excelled. Against Arsenal, his stunning free-kick decided the game, a goal that will live long in the memory. His energy and drive down the right flank impressed everyone, but Szoboszlai is naturally a midfielder. With Frimpong and Conor Bradley now available, Slot must decide whether to keep Szoboszlai in defence or push him back into midfield, where his creativity can flourish. It is a good problem for the Liverpool manager to have, but a decision that will shape the balance of the team.
At the heart of the defence, there is stability. Ibrahima Konate gave Liverpool a scare when he looked injured against Arsenal, but he recovered and played two full matches for France during the international break. He is ready. Virgil van Dijk, the captain, will stand alongside him, marshalling the defence and providing leadership. On the left, Milos Kerkez has been adapting well to life at Anfield since his summer move, showing energy and determination. Andy Robertson is waiting in the wings, ready if called upon, but Kerkez has impressed enough to keep his place.
In midfield, the options are many. Ryan Gravenberch has been quietly improving, showing strength and composure. Szoboszlai could partner him if moved back from right-back, or Wataru Endo could be given a chance to provide balance. Alexis Mac Allister, fresh from international duty with Argentina, may be rested. Then there is the possibility of young Rio Ngumoha, the teenage sensation who has been training with the first team and catching the eye. Arne Slot has not been afraid to give young players a chance, and Ngumoha could be a surprise inclusion on the bench.
Up front, with Isak not ready to start, the responsibility falls once again on Hugo Ekitike. The French striker, another big summer signing, has settled quickly. His movement, his energy, and his link-up play have given Liverpool a new dimension in attack. He will lead the line, supported by the magic of Mohamed Salah on the right, the intelligence of Florian Wirtz in the middle, and the versatility of Cody Gakpo on the left. This is a front line full of creativity and danger, even without Isak from the start.
The predicted XI looks like this:
Alisson in goal, the ever-reliable Brazilian who remains one of the best in the world.
At the back: Frimpong (if fully fit), Konate, Van Dijk, and Kerkez.
In midfield: Gravenberch and Szoboszlai.
Ahead of them: Salah, Wirtz, and Gakpo.
Up top: Ekitike.
It is a strong side, a side with balance, with pace, with energy. And on the bench, the presence of Alexander Isak, waiting, ready to step into the Premier League in red for the first time.
This game is not just about Liverpool. Burnley, under Vincent Kompany, are fighting to find consistency. Turf Moor is never an easy place to visit. The crowd is close to the pitch, the atmosphere can be intense, and Burnley will be motivated to frustrate Liverpool. But Slot’s men know that if they want to be title challengers, if they want to send a message to Manchester City and Arsenal, these are the games they must win.
The narrative is set. Liverpool arrive with the most expensive signing in British football history on their bench, ready for his first steps in red. The Premier League spotlight shines on Turf Moor. Every touch of the ball from Isak will be analysed, every movement, every expression. The pressure is enormous, but so is the opportunity. Liverpool’s new era is beginning, and Sunday could be the first glimpse of something special.
