Liverpool manager Arne Slot has defended Alexander Isak's decision to go on strike at Newcastle to force a £125m move to Anfield, insisting the same situation would never occur at Liverpool because the club would sell any player who wanted to leave.
Isak secured a transfer from St James' Park on deadline day for a British record fee and could make his debut against Burnley on Sunday. However, he is unlikely to start after missing pre-season and the first three games of the season following his refusal to train at Newcastle, claiming promises had been broken.
Asked if Isak's strike reflects badly on the 26-year-old, Slot said: 'No, I just look at the club. It's not necessary at our club, because we also trade players. 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.'
Slot highlighted the professionalism of players like Luis Díaz, Harvey Elliott, and Tyler Morton, who secured transfers in the last window without incident. He added: 'You can just keep on training here – Lucho, Harvey, Tyler, all these players conduct themselves in the best possible way.'
Isak featured for only 18 minutes during the international break due to lack of match fitness, having trained alone at former club Real Sociedad. Slot admitted it will take time for Isak to reach full fitness but expressed confidence in his abilities. 'He is one of the best in the world,' Slot said. 'But for him to become the best, I think the best players in the world win trophies.'
Slot dismissed concerns over the pressure of the record fee, stating: 'It might put pressure on him and me but nothing extra – if you have this badge on your shirt there is always pressure. We target a player and we decide what his value is. We get that money from trading players and winning the league after we didn't spend anything at all.'
