English clubs primed to unbox new transfer toys

The English Premier League returns this weekend after a two-week pause with clubs eager to show off their new transfer window purchases, none more so than champions Liverpool, for whom Alexander Isak could make his debut at Burnley on Sept 14.

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LONDON - The English Premier League returns this weekend after a two-week pause with clubs eager to show off their new transfer window purchases, none more so than champions Liverpool, for whom Alexander Isak could make his debut at Burnley on Sept 14.

An astonishing £3 billion (S$5.22 billion) was spent by the 20 clubs, a fair chunk of it in the last few days of trading as clubs beefed up their squads for the months ahead.

Isak's acrimonious split from Newcastle United was secured in the nick of time, with Liverpool paying a British record £125 million for the Swedish goal machine.

The 25-year-old did not play a single minute for Newcastle this season as he was effectively downed tools and while he did come off the bench for a brief cameo for Sweden against Kosovo on Sept 8, he is unlikely to start at Burnley.

Fellow new forward Hugo Ekitike has hit the ground running, scoring two goals in three league matches while also netting in the Community Shield.