Alan Pardew predicts Alexander Isak could follow in Chelsea flop’s footsteps

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Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew thinks Alexander Isak could be heading down the same path as one ex-Chelsea star

Isak became British football’s record signing after joining Liverpool from Newcastle United in a £125m deal during the summer transfer window.

However, the striker is struggling to live up to that price tag. His only goal so far has come in the Carabao Cup.

Liverpool spent huge money over the summer, and now all of their business is coming under scrutiny following a run of four consecutive defeats.

• READ MORE: Pat Nevin argues Chelsea have pulled off a better deal than Alexander Isak to Liverpool

Alan Pardew fears Alexander Isak could head down Fernando Torres path

Chelsea are no strangers to signing a big-money flop, though it may be too early to label Isak that.

In 2011, they broke the British record transfer fee to sign Fernando Torres from Liverpool.

Torres really struggled at Stamford Bridge, though, and Pardew now fears Isak could end up being just like the Chelsea flop.

“I just wonder whether this is going to mirror Torres,” the ex-Newcastle United and Crystal Palace boss said on talkSPORT. “Remember when Torres went to Chelsea? He was phenomenal at Liverpool, and everyone thought him at Chelsea would be game over, and it just didn’t pan out.

“He still got a Champions League medal, but is Isak going to be the player we saw at Newcastle, transfers to Liverpool. Or are we going to see a different Isak? At the moment he’s probably not match-fit, so it is a little bit unfair to judge him, but it has been a slow start.”

Before his move to Anfield, Isak was actually linked to Chelsea. However, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap were the strikers the Blues went on to sign.

Unfortunately for Enzo Maresca, he will be without both men on Wednesday when the Blues take on Ajax in the Champions League. Pedro is suspended following his red card against Benfica, while Delap is still injured.

How many goals did Fernando Torres score for Chelsea?

It is true, Torres did win the Champions League and other major honours during his time at Chelsea.

In total, though, the Spaniard only managed to score 45 goals in 172 appearances. Being one of the best centre-forwards in the world when Chelsea signed him, it is a very disappointing return.

It would be a surprise if Isak finished his Liverpool career with a return like that. He still has plenty of time to turn things around.

If he does, though, Chelsea fans will not be complaining. If the Sweden international makes Arne Slot’s side weaker, that is obviously great news for them.