Alexander Isak involved in heated exchange moments after return to action
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Alexander Isak faced a difficult return to competitive football during Sweden’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign following his controversial transfer from Newcastle United to Liverpool. After a prolonged absence lasting over three months due to his refusal to play for Newcastle to push for a move, Isak finally appeared as a substitute in Sweden’s 2-0 defeat to Kosovo. His appearance was met with boos from the crowd, reflecting the tension around his transfer saga and ongoing struggles with fitness and form.
Isak’s hiatus included missing all of Newcastle’s preseason and the start of the Premier League season as he trained separately and sought a transfer, accusing Newcastle of breaking a promise regarding his sale. The transfer was eventually completed on deadline day for a British-record fee of £125 million, with Liverpool securing the striker’s services.
Despite joining Liverpool, Isak’s lack of match fitness meant he was only cautiously integrated into Sweden’s squad, with the national team manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, describing Isak’s first game back as risky and limiting his minutes. Isak did not start or play in Sweden’s earlier match against Slovenia and had minimal impact after coming on late versus Kosovo, receiving a yellow card in a minor on-field incident but failing to change the outcome.
The poor result against Kosovo left Sweden with just one point from two group games, trailing Switzerland and Kosovo in the 2026 World Cup qualifying Group B standings. Swedish media harshly criticized the team’s performance, labeling the campaign a “fiasco” and “painful drag.”
Isak hinted after the match that more insights into his transfer and situation might emerge later, but for now, he remains in the process of regaining full fitness and form for both club and country. Liverpool fans will likely have to wait before seeing him as a starting player, as he is rated doubtful for their next two matches due to limited recent playing time.
PP