Liverpool receive verdict over Alexander Isak’s £125m fee – ‘I’d have paid…’

Alexander Isak debuted for Liverpool in their Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid, and as he prepares to face Everton, Joleon Lescott thinks the Reds underpaid for the striker

Former Everton star Joleon Lescott believes Liverpool underpaid for Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker sealed a British record transfer from Newcastle United on deadline day.

After a tumultuous summer and a bitter standoff with the Magpies, Isak finally got his wish when he signed a six-year deal on Merseyside at the start of this month. It cost a British record £125million to secure his services.

The 25-year-old appeared for the first time under Arne Slot in Liverpool’s 3-2 Champions League win against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday in place of Hugo Ekitike. Isak’s debut was bright, despite not scoring, and he was replaced after 60 minutes.

Liverpool face rivals Everton on Saturday afternoon in the first Merseyside derby of the new season, and Isak is expected to play in the Premier League as a Red for the first time. While many may baulk at the £125m it cost Liverpool to finally purchase Isak, Lescott thinks they may have underpaid, and he would have parted with whatever amount was necessary.

Lescott was asked on In The Mixer, brought to you by Sky Bet, whether the Reds underpaid or overpaid for the 25-year-old, and said: “Under. I’d have paid whatever.

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“I’d have paid whatever they [Newcastle] wanted. Liverpool already were winning the league. They needed someone to make the difference in the Champions League. I think Isak is that.”

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Out of the six English clubs in the Champions League this season, Lescott now believes Liverpool have the best chance of being crowned winners, thanks to recruiting Isak.

He added: “I think they’re in a good position for the Champions League. But the Isak signing… Isak is a Man of the Match player. I think Mohamed Salah is more of just a game-winner. He is sometimes not involved and doesn’t shine.

“Isak will occupy defenders in a different way. Liverpool now have two players who can get 20 or 30 goals in a season. Isak is that good, and they won’t be surprised by him.”

However, the former Toffees centre-half does feel as though Saturday’s Merseyside derby could throw up a surprise, as Everton have so impressively started the season.

Asked if David Moyes‘ side could cause an upset, Lescott replied: “I hope so from an ex-Everton player’s point of view, but also from the Premier League’s. I think Everton are in a good place.

“They’ve had a very astute transfer window, and Moyes is back in charge. I’m just hoping it is the case [they can win]. I reckon this is probably the most belief Everton fans have had going to Anfield in recent years.”

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