Sweden have included Alexander Isak in their squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers, even as the striker remains frozen out at Newcastle United amid his push to join Liverpool.
Head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson named Isak in his team for the fixtures against Slovenia and Kosovo on September 5 and 8, describing the forward as a player “who can be decisive” despite his club standoff.
The 26-year-old has been training alone after being excluded from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea. His situation has become one of the major talking points of the transfer window, with the Swede insisting he was assured by the club that he could leave this summer.
Liverpool have already tabled a £110 million bid, but Newcastle owned by Saudi investors are holding out for £150 million. Isak, who netted 23 Premier League goals last season and played a key role in Newcastle’s League Cup triumph, has made clear his desire to move to Anfield.
In a statement on August 20, the striker accused the club of breaking promises:
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now and why change is in the best interests of everyone.”
Newcastle, however, quickly dismissed his claims, insisting: “Alex remains under contract and no club official has ever committed to letting him leave this summer.”
Tomasson admitted Isak’s lack of team training was not ideal but stressed his importance to Sweden’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
Meanwhile, as the transfer deadline approaches, Newcastle have reportedly seen two bids for Wolves’ Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen rejected, further fueling speculation about Isak’s future.
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