Liverpool sign Alexander Isak: When Arne Slot could give striker Premier League debut after transfer deadline deal completed

Alexander Isak is unlikely to be in the starting XI that will face Burnley after the international break, Reds transfer expert David Lynch has argued.

The Premier League champions finally completed the signing of Isak from Newcastle United after agreeing to pay £125m, and supporters are eagerly awaiting his debut.

Domestic top-flight football is currently paused due to the September international break, with Liverpool set to take on Burnley away from home on September 14.

Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch reminded fans that Isak did not partake in pre-season training and could take time to regain match fitness, saying: "It will be a little while before he starts and it was interesting to note in his interview with the club's official website that he cast doubt on being available for the Burnley game.

"Will he even make the bench? Maybe he needs a couple of weeks to have a full pre-season to get himself up to scratch. Don't expect him in the starting XI at Burnley, and there's a question mark about his place in the squad for that game.

"After that, the games come thick and fast, and Liverpool have to act as quickly as they can get him adapted. There probably is enough space on that bench for him with the sales they've made, so maybe he sneaks into [the matchday squad], but we might have to wait a couple of weeks for a first start."

The forward's first chance to feature at home would be against Atletico Madrid on September 17 in the Champions League, and his first chance to play at Anfield in the Premier League is on September 20 against rivals Everton.

Can Alexander Isak win Liverpool the Premier League title?

The Swedish striker found the back of the net 23 times in the Premier League for Newcastle in 2024-25, with his tally second only to Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.

Isak is not only an elite goalscorer, but he is also adept at linking play and helping bring his teammates into the game.

Lynch was adamant that the Reds must be seen as clear favourites for the title due to the quality they have added, telling Sports Mole: "They lacked attacking depth because of what they sold but now they've added a player who has a real chance over these next three years to cement himself as the best centre-forward in the world.

"Arsenal have still got issues, City have still got issues. Have they stepped up to the next level? Liverpool were in a really good position going in without any changes and defending their title, but what we've seen has been a real increase in quality, and Isak sums that up.

"If they can get through this initial period picking up points - they've got nine from nine - then they'll start to hit the stride. If they're not a load of points behind after the first seven or eight games, which clearly won't happen because they've already made a good start, then I would make them absolute favourites to go on and lift the title."

Liverpool are the only team left in the division with nine points from their first three fixtures of the season having beat Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield on Sunday.

Is Alexander Isak a replacement for Mohamed Salah?

Salah has been at Liverpool since 2017-18, and he currently ranks as the joint fourth-highest scorer (187) in the history of the division, and it would not be surprising if he climbed to second in that list ahead of Harry Kane (213) by the time his contract expires at the end of 2026-27.

The winger is 33 years old and has scored one goal and registered one assist in the league this season, and while he will almost certainly still excel this term, he will inevitably slow down in front of goal at some stage.

Lynch claimed that the Reds have used this summer to prepare for Salah's eventual decline, when he told Sports Mole: "It's strange to say that these are Mo Salah replacements, but in a way, knowing that he could leave in a couple of years time - he may sign another contract - having Isak, Ekitike and Wirtz would be fantastic.

"If you waited until the point he was about to go and then had to go into the market to find a right-winger who could do all the things he does, it [would be nearly impossible]. He's one of the greatest right-wingers to ever. It's as simple as that. His profile will not exist. We might not see someone like him for another 20 years.

"What you have to do is make sure you have at least that level of quality elsewhere in the team, and Isak is definitely that. I know Wirtz has made a slow start, but there's no doubt about his quality, and he will be at least of that Salah level, similarly with Isak. Ekitike can definitely get there as well - what a start he's had."

Ekitike has scored two goals in his first three Premier League games, and while Wirtz has taken time to adjust to life in England, he did show promising signs in the second half against Arsenal.

> Click here to listen to the full discussion on when Alexander Isak could make his Liverpool debut