A month ago Liverpool ended an awful autumn of 2025 by ending a stretch of 9 losses in 12 games. Before that, the biggest story of the fall of 2025 erupted in mid-November when Mohamed Salah gave a scathing interview about manager Arne Slot, which I’m sure many of you saw or read about — including on Championat. One of the major stories of the fall in football around the world.
Since December the Reds have been able to stabilize themselves. They won all six of their last games without losing. Currently, Liverpool are on a three-game winning streak (in the Champions League against Inter, and in the Premier League against Tottenham and Brighton).
Then — boom — another disaster.
Isak Scores Important Goal, Suffers Serious Injury
During halftime of the Tottenham game Arne Slot substituted in Alexander Isak. Only five minutes later, Isak scored his second Premier League goal of the season. He took the finish on a pass from Florian Wirtz. However, immediately after finishing the shot Tottenham defender Micky Van De Ven slid in late to make a tackle. It was a terrible looking slide tackle: Isak’s left ankle was caught between the Dutchman’s legs. Instead of celebrating Isak rolled on the field in agony.
Isak could no longer play and left the field on the medical staff’s cart. Even though he was helped to leave the field, it was obvious that this was not just a minor bump. Bad news began pouring in shortly after. Paul Joyce, close to the club, tweeted that Isak suffered a serious leg injury and that it is believed he may miss a lot of time.
Paul Joyce’s worst-case scenario was confirmed over night December 22 – December 23. Liverpool’s official website released a press release stating that Isak has a fractured fibula. The club also stated that Isak had surgery however did not provide a specific return date. Although Liverpool still believes Isak can play again this season, according to Paul Joyce.
It was already a difficult season for Isak before the injury.
Alexander signed with Liverpool on the final day of the summer transfer window. The Reds paid a Premier League record $168 million (or €145 million) to sign Isak. Isak wanted to go to Liverpool so badly that he skipped his clubs preseason training and left the club essentially on poor terms.
After the transfer, Isak struggled mightily to gain fitness. Isak scored his first goal in the League Cup against Southampton on September 28th (2:1). He followed up that performance with an assist against Chelsea on October 4th (1:2). Isak did not score his first Premier League goal until November 30th against West Ham (2:0). Isak said he had big problems with his match fitness. This is understandable considering Isak missed the entire preseason.
In his last three Premier League appearances, Isak came off the bench. A short time off the bench against Leeds and Brighton, then immediately after halftime against Tottenham. He scores in a big game! This should be the boost emotionally he needed. However, due to one bad moment, Isak will likely miss several months.
Regardless of whether he returns by the end of the season, Isak’s season will be basically a loss for him. Sweden still has a chance to qualify for the World Cup — Isak will not be able to contribute in the playoffs. If Sweden does qualify, there is no guarantee he will be healthy enough to be used effectively.
Isak’s Injury Causes Liverpool to Consider Huge Money Transfer
Currently, the hottest player available on the Premier League market is Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. A release clause of $80 million (€74.1 million) is set to become active in January 2026. All of the major players are already in pursuit of the young Ghanaian. Liverpool are among those seriously pursuing Semenyo (Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham are also pursuing the young winger).
Mark Dobson, writing for The Guardian, states that Liverpool have already reached agreement with Semenyo on a personal contract. According to Dobson, both City and United believe Semenyo would prefer to sign with the reigning Premier League champions.
However, Fabrizio Romano provides slightly different information. Romano reports that while City and United appear to be the furthest along in negotiations, they are not alone. Romano specifically mentions that after Isak’s injury Liverpool — who initially contacted Semenyo in early November — are in a better position to pursue the young winger.
Liverpool have a natural backup option to replace Isak — Hugo Ekitike. While Ekitike did not arrive at the same time as Isak, the Frenchman had a much easier transition to the team. Ekitike has 11 goals in 24 appearances this season. Therefore, Isak’s injury is not disastrous for the Reds — especially if they can land Semenyo. Having Semenyo would allow Slot much more freedom to rotate with Cody Gakpo. Gakpo is currently playing as a left forward but can also play as a “nine” as well. It would be great for Liverpool to add another quality defender in January; however, Isak’s injury makes landing Semenyo practically a necessity.
