Alexander Isak’s lack of professionalism has seemingly affected two clubs. It’s doubtful the Swedish striker will shoulder much responsibility himself.

The forward’s summer standoff continues to leave consequences behind. Actions always carry repercussions.

Liverpool are beginning to feel it. Since his British-record switch from Newcastle United, Isak’s form has completely disappeared. On Tyneside, sympathy is scarce after the embarrassing manner in which he and his agent engineered a move, unsettling Newcastle’s pre-season preparations.

The fallout lingers in the North East, where Eddie Howe and his staff were left scrambling to rebuild an attacking blueprint. The frontline is faltering despite the effort of Nick Woltemade, a contrasting striker still settling into Premier League football while United adapts to his very different style.

Over on Merseyside, frustrations grow about Isak’s fitness and contributions after another ineffective cameo, recording only four touches in half an hour during the Champions League defeat to Galatasaray on Tuesday night.

Liverpool Echo handed him a five in their ratings, remarking: “Barely involved and must find sharpness quickly. His ruined pre-season is severely limiting his impact.”

In his column, the Echo’s Ian Doyle observed: “That Liverpool became blunter when Alexander Isak entered highlights a fear Slot has long carried – the lack of time for the £125m signing to settle with teammates already adapting to several new additions.

“Isak fired a shot immediately but made only three more touches across 38 minutes – while Mohamed Salah, introduced simultaneously, registered 19.

“With Hugo Ekitike’s fitness uncertain, Isak must shoulder the number nine role for now. Liverpool must also determine how to fully unlock his ability.”

Another Echo journalist, Paul Gorst, admitted Isak looks “far from” his best. He wrote: “The £125m striker, used as a second-half option, remains nowhere near top shape after his pre-season collapsed amid the saga of his Newcastle exit.

“It’s harsh to over-criticize, but Liverpool need to accelerate his progress so he can deliver more consistently and justify the price tag.”

The reality is that Isak created this mess himself. Blame lies with him, for sabotaging pre-season by striking and refusing to feature. A transfer request could have been handled while staying professional – instead he chose selfishness and is suffering the consequences.

Newcastle staff had warned of this very scenario. Concerns were raised that his lack of conditioning would leave him short of peak readiness. Added to that, his fragile injury history meant careful management would be essential to withstand the physical intensity of elite football.

Slot confirmed the issue, noting: “It takes time for Alexander. Sometimes he plays 60 minutes, sometimes 30. Everyone understands rhythm only comes with consistent games.

“When matches arrive every three days, it’s unrealistic to expect him or Alexis Mac Allister to last full 90s. Isak never trained over the summer. Mac Allister missed much of it too.”

Isak will deliver once his match fitness is restored – that much seems inevitable. The Swede remains among Europe’s most gifted forwards.

Until then, he has only himself to blame and must accept responsibility for his choices.