Arne Slot has publicly defended Alexander Isak after the striker’s decision to withdraw from Newcastle United duties drew criticism. Speaking ahead of Isak’s potential debut for Liverpool against Burnley on Sunday, Slot argued the Swede’s actions should not be read as a mark on his character and stressed Liverpool would handle the situation differently.

Isak has said Newcastle had “broken” a number of promises made to him, leaving him “no alternative but to try and force a way out of St James’ Park.” The striker’s goal that beat Liverpool and secured Newcastle the Carabao Cup last season also ended a 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy.

Some have accused Isak of breaching the spirit of his contract; others have suggested clubs can exercise too much control over a player’s career and exile those they deem surplus, citing Manchester United’s and Chelsea’s “bomb squad” of unwanted players as examples.

Slot pushed back on judgments of the player’s character. “No [it doesn’t reflect badly], I just look at the club. It’s not necessary at our club, because we also trade players,” Slot said. “If a player wants to leave and we get the right money for him, this club has shown so many years now that we then sell.

“You can just keep on training here – Lucho [Luis Díaz] and Harvey [Elliott] get their transfers , Tyler Morton gets his transfer, all these players, I can come up with eight, nine, 10 I think in the last window, that just conduct themselves in the best possible way.”

Slot confirmed Liverpool will manage Isak’s introduction carefully because the striker lacked training and first-team minutes over the summer, which may prevent him from playing immediately. Still, Slot expressed clear confidence in Isak’s quality. “He is one of the best in the world,” Slot beamed. “But for him to become the best, I think the best players in the world win trophies.

“It [the fee] might put pressure on him and me but nothing extra – if you have this [Liverpool badge] on your shirt there is always pressure,” Slot added. “We target a player and we want to have him. We decide what his value is, if that matches with what the club wants then we are not afraid to act. We get that money from trading players and winning the league after we didn’t spend anything at all.”

The Premier League returns on Saturday, Sept. 13 after the September international break, and Gameweek 4 could bring a series of first appearances for players who arrived on deadline day. With many newcomers away for World Cup qualifiers and international friendlies immediately after signing, this weekend offers fans an early chance to see them in club colours.

At Liverpool, Alexander Isak is the most high-profile candidate for a league debut. Isak came on for Sweden during the international break in an upset loss to Kosovo. His preseason was disrupted by a standoff with his former club, but manager Arne Slot has suggested the striker is part of a long-term plan and that Liverpool will manage his introduction. Hugo Ekitiké and Cody Gakpo are also in the squad and could influence selection.

Aston Villa completed two deadline arrivals and Unai Emery will be keen to get both Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott on the pitch quickly. Sancho left Manchester United after being peripheral to Ruben Amorim’s plans at United this summer and now has an opportunity to impress his new manager. Elliott departs Liverpool as a Premier League champion and could have extra motivation to prove himself.

Manchester City reshaped the goalkeeper department with the arrivals of Gianluigi Donnarumma, James Trafford and Marcus Bettinelli after Éderson moved to Fenerbahçe. Trafford’s difficult outing against Tottenham Hotspur during the window may have influenced City’s business. Donnarumma could be in line to stake a claim for the number one role, with the Manchester derby a possible debut stage.

Newcastle lost Alexander Isak and brought in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa late in the window. Wissa scored 19 goals for Brentford last season while Woltemade netted 12 in the Bundesliga for VfB Stuttgart. Eddie Howe also added Anthony Elanga earlier in the summer, giving the club multiple attacking options.

Tottenham Hotspur reshaped their attack with Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons. Kolo Muani can provide cover amid Dominic Solanke’s injury concerns and Simons is expected to play a creative role while James Maddison is set to miss a considerable period.

Below is a brief club-player list mentioned in this piece:
Arsenal: Piero Hincapié
Bournemouth: Veljko Milosavljević
Brentford: Reiss Nelson
Brighton & Hove Albion: Charalampos Kostoulas
Burnley: Florentino Luís
Chelsea: Alejandro Garnacho
Crystal Palace: Christantus Uche
Everton: Tyler Dibling
Fulham: Kevin
Manchester United: Senne Lammens
Nottingham Forest: Oleksandr Zinchenko
Sunderland: Lutsharel Geertruida
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Tolu Arokodare

Pep Guardiola offered a pointed but measured response after Arne Slot called Alexander Isak “maybe the best striker in the world.” Slot had praised Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson for helping to protect that player, a comment that was later put to Guardiola at his own press conference.

Asked to rank Erling Haaland against Isak, Guardiola smiled and said: “A little bit above.”

He went on to underline his view of both forwards: “Isak is an exceptional player. You asked me about Erling and he is top. Isak must be a top player because of what they paid. Another one would say [Kylian] Mbappé, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo], it’s a game of opinions.

“I wouldn’t change Erling for anyone. I know him. I like him.”

Isak’s name featured in several Friday press conferences, including Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe’s first public comments since Sweden’s departure from St James’ Park. Howe attempted to draw a line under the situation while explaining how his relationship with the forward shifted following events this summer.

“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship,” Howe said. “I loved working with him. I hope he enjoyed working with us.

“It was mutually beneficial. We helped him become the player he in part is today and he helped us as a team achieve some unbelievable milestones and was part of a very successful team. The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was probably a turning point in our relationship.

“We want to create an environment and home for them that they love being at. But I would say Alex was very much part of that and loved his time here so I don’t think that was the issue. I think the issue for him was more when the other club came, that then changed his thought process. I never had a day where Alex didn’t look like he enjoyed being at Newcastle. 100%.”

Howe confirmed the relationship cooled after the striker refused to travel for pre-season, a decision he described as a turning point.