Jamie Carragher four-word response sums up Liverpool feelings on Alexander Isak

 Jamie Carragher has suggested that Liverpool may not have pursued Alexander Isak in previous transfer windows. The Reds shattered the British transfer record to secure the Swedish international after a protracted saga on deadline day, with Isak making a £125m switch from Newcastle United to Anfield.

The 26-year-old forward went on strike at St. James' Park throughout pre-season in an attempt to engineer his departure, training alone and not featuring in any of Newcastle's summer friendlies or opening Premier League matches.

Isak, who has sat out Liverpool's last three matches due to a groin injury, has had a sluggish start at Anfield, having to play catch-up following his disrupted pre-season.

So far, the striker has made eight appearances for the Reds, contributing a goal and an assist, but he is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League for Arne Slot's team.

While Isak has yet to justify his hefty price tag at Liverpool, fellow new signing Hugo Ekitike has emerged as one of the standout performers for the Reds this season, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The France international has netted six goals and provided an assist in 14 appearances since his own move from Eintracht Frankfurt, joining Liverpool in a deal potentially worth up to £79m.

Starting 10 matches, the 23-year-old did find himself relegated to the bench behind Isak for Liverpool's Premier League showdowns with Chelsea and Manchester United, but has since reclaimed his place in Slot's starting line-up.

The pair arrived at Anfield as part of a staggering £450million summer spending spree, with Liverpool bringing in eight new senior signings in what proved to be a record-breaking transfer window for the club.

However, that substantial outlay was offset by approximately £200m generated through player departures, as 10 senior players left the club - including forwards Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. Tragically, Diogo Jota lost his life following a car accident during the summer months.

Such frenzied transfer activity has been uncharacteristic of Liverpool, who have traditionally preferred to strengthen their squad with just one or two carefully selected additions each window.

Former Reds defender Carragher has suggested the club would not have pursued both Isak and Ekitike in previous years, endorsing a social media observation to that effect.

The Liverpool icon responded to a post from EBL on X, which read: "Liverpool of the past only sign Ekitike, not Isak.

"He profiles as someone who can become as good as Isak whilst being a similar profile for half the price, except maybe that has happened quicker than expected.

"Causes selection issues with two special #9's at Slot's disposal.."

Carragher's response was succinct: "My point all summer!"

Slot has only deployed Isak and Ekitike as a strike partnership on one occasion this campaign - during Liverpool's commanding 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last month.

Mohamed Salah was left on the bench as the Dutch head coach switched to a 4-4-2 formation to accommodate both strikers, but the Swedish forward had to be substituted at half-time due to a groin problem.

Ekitike is expected to spearhead the attack against Real Madrid on Tuesday night after Isak sat out Saturday's victory over Aston Villa, with Federico Chiesa and Florian Wirtz providing other options in attack.