Return to the pitch after turbulent summer
Alexander Isak featured for the first time this season as he came off the bench in the 72nd minute of Sweden’s World Cup qualifier against Kosovo. Despite his presence, Sweden suffered a shock 2:0 defeat after first-half goals from Elvis Rexhbecaj and Vedat Muriqi.
The 25-year-old striker had been sidelined throughout the summer amid a protracted £125m transfer saga that saw him force through a deadline day move from Newcastle United to Liverpool.
Isak’s reflections on transfer and debut minutes
Speaking after the match, Isak expressed relief at finally returning to the pitch:
“It’s great that everything was settled before the camp and that I could focus on playing football again. It’s been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the pitch as well.”
He also addressed the speculation surrounding his departure from Newcastle, hinting at behind-the-scenes tensions:
“Obviously, not everyone has the full picture, but that’s something for another day. I can’t control everything that’s said or written. But I’m happy that I became a Liverpool player.”
From Newcastle hero to Liverpool forward
Isak’s move ended a memorable chapter at St James’ Park. Last season he finished as Newcastle’s top scorer with 23 Premier League goals and was instrumental in ending the club’s 70-year trophy drought, scoring in their Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool.
However, he accused the Magpies of breaking promises and refused to play in pre-season or the early league fixtures, making his Anfield switch inevitable.
Now at Liverpool, Isak begins a new chapter as one of the Premier League’s most expensive strikers, with fans eager to see how he fits into Arne Slot’s attacking plans.
