Jul 20, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Borussia Dortmund forward Alexander Isak (14) shoots the ball against Manchester City during an International Champions Cup soccer match at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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‘Not Everyone Has the Full Picture’ – Alexander Isak After First Appearance Since £125M Liverpool Move

Alexander Isak finally returned to the pitch on Monday night. The new Liverpool striker made his first appearance of the season just days after sealing a British-record £125m move from Newcastle United. The striker came off the bench for Sweden in their 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Kosovo, marking the end of a turbulent summer that kept him away from competitive action.

However, Isak’s return was not welcomed by everyone. The 25-year-old was making his first competitive appearance in over 100 days and he received a hostile reception. Notably, sections of the Kosovo crowd reportedly booed Isak when he came on in the second half.

Alexander Isak replaced former Newcastle teammate Anthony Elanga in the 72nd minute, with Sweden already trailing 2-0 in Pristina. The 25-year-old made an immediate impact, recording two shots on target but was unable to prevent Sweden’s defeat. He even picked up a booking after a clash with Kosovo defender Fidan Aliti.

Alexander Isak made his first appearance in three months, coming on as a substitute for Sweden, who were beaten 2-0 by Kosovo in World Cup qualifying 🚨 pic.twitter.com/70AFST6bC5
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 8, 2025

I Can’t Control Everything That’s Said or Written: Alexander Isak

Kosovo’s victory was secured through goals from Elvis Rexhbecaj and Vedat Muriqi It gave them their first points in Group B. Meanwhile, Sweden sit third behind Switzerland and Kosovo. Speaking after the match, Alexander Isak addressed the speculation surrounding his transfer saga as he said,

“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.”

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The move to Merseyside followed weeks of uncertainty, during which Isak trained alone and refused to feature in Newcastle’s pre-season friendlies and opening league matches. His lack of playing time saw him used sparingly during the international break.

Alexander Isak was an unused substitute in Sweden’s 2-2 draw with Slovenia before being introduced late against Kosovo. Despite the limited playing time, the striker insisted that the situation has helped him grow mentally. He said,

“It’s been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the pitch as well. It’s great that everything was settled before the camp and that I could focus on playing football again.”

🗣️ Alexander Isak: "Not everyone has the full picture but I'm happy that I became a Liverpool player." pic.twitter.com/tkauys5IZw
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) September 9, 2025

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Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson confirmed that Isak’s short outing was down to fitness. He explained that the the forward had only completed three training sessions with the Sweden squad.

Alexander Isak

Kosovo

Liverpool

Newcastle United

Sweden

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.