Liverpool's record signing Alexander Isak has taken drastic security measures by spending £30,000 on a highly-trained guard dog following a series of death threats against the Swedish international.
Transfer backlash triggers security concerns
The 26-year-old striker has faced significant abuse since his £130 million summer move from Newcastle United to Liverpool, with the situation escalating to the point where he felt compelled to enhance his personal security. According to sources close to the player, Isak will soon welcome a specially trained Doberman to his Merseyside home as he continues to settle into life with his new club.
The threats emerged after Isak essentially went on strike to force through his transfer to Anfield, a move that angered some Newcastle supporters. The situation was further complicated when Sweden finished bottom of their 2026 World Cup qualification group, leading to social media death threats directed at Isak and his international teammates.
Professional protection for Premier League star
Phoenix Dogs, the company providing Isak's new protection dog, described the Doberman as "beautiful inside and out" and a "fabulous beast." The firm emphasises that there is "nothing more loyal" than a properly trained protection dog, making them an ideal security solution for high-profile individuals facing genuine threats.
A source told The Sun: "Alexander has had a very high-profile summer thanks to the drawn-out transfer to Liverpool and the high price the club paid for him. He wants to get settled off the pitch and getting a protection dog is an essential part of that."
Football's growing security trend
Isak becomes the latest in a growing list of footballers who have invested in protection dogs following a spate of burglaries and robberies targeting players' homes. Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, Manchester City's Kyle Walker, and Jack Grealish have all taken similar security measures in recent years, highlighting increasing concerns about player safety away from the pitch.
The Swedish forward addressed his controversial transfer in September, telling Swedish media: "Not everyone has the full picture, but that's something for another day. That's part of football. I can't control everything that is said or written but I'm glad I became a Liverpool player. That's what I wanted and I'm happy about that."
Isak added: "I'm happy and proud to be a Liverpool player. I don't want to go into details or talk about that situation too much. It is a closed chapter, but I have never had any problems." Despite the off-pitch challenges, the striker remains focused on his football career while taking necessary precautions to ensure his personal safety.
