Alexander Isak Finally Returns Ahead of Liverpool Debut | OneFootball

Alexander Isak Returns in Sweden Defeat After Record Liverpool Move

Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak stepped back onto the pitch for the first time since May, making his long-awaited return during Sweden’s World Cup qualifying defeat against Kosovo.

High-profile Liverpool transfer

The 25-year-old striker completed a headline-grabbing move to Liverpool from Newcastle United on transfer deadline day, in a Premier League record deal worth £125 million to the Merseyside club. With additional solidarity payments involved, Newcastle’s total windfall reached £130 million.

Photo: IMAGO

Isak’s switch came just days before Arne Slot’s side began their title defence. The Dutch manager, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League crown in his first season at Anfield, has been eager to integrate the forward into his squad. However, Isak had yet to feature in red before heading off on international duty.

Sweden debut delayed by fitness concerns

Sweden’s head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson had resisted the temptation to field him earlier, citing a lack of match sharpness. Speaking after their 2-2 draw with Slovenia, Tomasson explained his decision.

“He had only done three training sessions with the team,” he told Viaplay. “He had no pre-season with the team and of course no playing time. The risk was probably a bit too great to use him today.”

That cautious approach ended against Kosovo, with Isak introduced in the final 18 minutes, replacing Anthony Elanga.

Short cameo but no breakthrough

Despite his limited time on the pitch, Isak still managed to make his presence felt. He registered two shots on target but could not find a way past goalkeeper Arijanet Muric. Kosovo had already done the damage with first-half goals from Elvis Rexhbecaj and Vedat Muriqi, securing a 2-0 victory.

For Sweden, it was a disappointing setback. With only one point from their opening two qualifiers, they now sit third in Group B. Switzerland, by contrast, lead the group with six points after a perfect start.

Looking ahead with Liverpool and Sweden

Isak’s return was more about building rhythm than influencing the result. Having not played since the final day of last season, the striker’s fitness remains a priority for both club and country. For Liverpool supporters, the prospect of seeing him line up alongside Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz is a tantalising one.

Sweden, meanwhile, will be hoping their star striker rediscovers his sharpness quickly. Their campaign for a place at the 2026 World Cup has started slowly, and much will depend on Isak finding his scoring touch in the weeks to come.

For now, his cameo in Ljubljana marks the first step back, a reminder that one of Europe’s most expensive forwards is ready to resume centre stage.