Liverpool news: Mohamed Salah transfer admission repeated as Alexander Isak debut update emerges

Liverpool's 2025/26 campaign has kicked off with a familiar blend of grit and glamour under Arne Slot - though it isn't all sunshine and rainbows at Anfield. The Reds sit top of the Premier League after four straight wins, yet their early-season form has been more about resilience than dominance.

Despite their perfect record, Liverpool's performances have often been laboured and they've been bailed out by late goals in all four outings. Defensive frailties also remain, and they're yet to produce a statement display.

The summer window brought fireworks, with more than £450million spent on reinforcements. But while the newcomers have injected promise, the side has at times looked disjointed, still searching for cohesion as the fixtures begin to pile up. With plenty of teething issues to iron out, here's the latest news from the red half of Merseyside, courtesy of Mirror Football.

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Salah transfer admission repeated

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has candidly admitted the Reds are feeling the void left by departed stars Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, echoing sentiments previously voiced by Mohamed Salah about the challenges of integrating new talent.

Speaking after the narrow victory over Burnley on Sunday, Alisson highlighted the energy and contributions the pair brought, saying: "All the players who left were important. Lucho [Diaz], Darwin, they all made a difference for us with goals or their playing, fighting, defending. They had good energy, and we miss them."

Salah, who converted a 95th minute penalty to seal a narrow 1-0 win over the Clarets, stressed after the game that time was needed for newcomers to gel with the existing squad. The Egyptian forward noted the adaptation hurdles, particularly in forging on-pitch connections: "The players are adapting to our system," he said.

"We had a few new players in the starting line-up. It takes time to adapt their game to our game." He specifically mentioned Alexander Isak's imminent arrival, adding: "Alex [Isak] also came last week and he's going to be in the team. We try to find the balance."

This admission ties into broader concerns about chemistry in attack, with Salah earlier admitting struggles to link up with replacements like Hugo Ekitike: "So far, I didn't figure the connections out yet... I know where to find them. I knew their game very well, but with Hugo, he's still new," he admitted last month.

While Ekitike has impressed early on, the repeated calls for patience from Liverpool's talismans signal that full cohesion could take weeks, if not months, amid a gruelling fixture list.

Isak debut update

Alexander Isak's £125m arrival from Newcastle has generated plenty of excitement on Merseyside, but fans are being forced to wait after the striker was left out of Liverpool's trip to Burnley. In an effort to force a move to Anfield, Isak skipped Newcastle's pre-season tour as well as their opening league fixtures, and is thus lacking match fitness.

However, he's being tipped to make his debut against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday after being spotted back in full training on Tuesday. Moreover, manager Arne Slot confirmed Isak is edging closer to action, suggesting a 45 minute cameo might be possible at some point this week.

"Alex is far from ready for a schedule for three games in a week for 90 minutes," Slot stressed after the win over Burnley. "We could have used him today for five or 10 minutes and again on Wednesday, but we don't believe that's the way to build him up.

"Now we will be able either Wednesday or Saturday to play 45 as a minimum or maybe a bit more. But if he plays 45 on Wednesday don't expect him to play 45 or more on Saturday because his body is not prepared for that in our opinion."

Fans are salivating at the prospect of Isak's firepower adding to an already potent attack, especially after his 27-goal haul for Newcastle last term. And while Slot is, understandably, exercising caution, it won't be long before the striker is fully unleashed.

Unhappy Liverpool star responds to setback

Federico Chiesa is already having a rollercoaster of a season at Liverpool. He scored a late winner against Bournemouth on the opening day, but the feel-good factor didn't last long as he was then left of the club's Champions League squad.

However, the Italian winger, who was barely used last term, responded with quiet determination rather than discord. Slot described his decision to leave Chiesa out of the squad "difficult" and admitted the 27-year-old "wasn't happy" about it.

But Slot has praised Chiesa's professionalism in the fallout, noting his fierce commitment in training despite the blow: "His response has been to prove himself on the pitch... He's been working really hard."

Chiesa's approach was notable during Liverpool's video last week. As he was put through a number of exercises and drills, fans were quick to praise Chiesa's temperament in the comments.

One user wrote: "I just love Chiesa's attitude and his work rate, of course," while another said: "Chiesa, I've got a soft spot for that guy. I love his attitude."

A third hoped Chiesa would be rewarded for his behaviour, adding: "I hope that Chiesa gets more game time than he did last season. His attitude and passion and love for being a Liverpool player is outstanding. He is a perfect example of what every club needs."

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