Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak named in Sweden squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers amid ongoing transfer saga
Published 27/08/2025 at 12:47 GMT+1
Despite having missed Newcastle's first two games of the Premier League season, Alexander Isak will get the chance to dust off his boots for Sweden in their first two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo. Isak may welcome the chance to turn his attention to international matters after being the centre of a transfer storm, amid Liverpool's reported interest.
'Alex would’ve made a difference' - Howe rues Isak absence in Liverpool defeat
Video credit: SNTV
Alexander Isak has been named in Sweden’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo.
The 25-year-old has been at the centre of a long-running transfer saga, with the striker seemingly keen on engineering a move to Liverpool.
Isak has not featured for Newcastle United this campaign and trained alone at former club Real Sociedad while The Magpies embarked on a pre-season tour of the Far East.
Eddie Howe has publicly stated his wish to reintegrate Isak into his squad, despite the striker releasing a statement on social media indicating that "the relationship can't continue."
An extract of the statement read: "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
"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, not just myself."
Howe has been frequently quizzed about the situation regarding Isak and has insisted he would be welcomed back into the fold.
Speaking ahead of the goalless draw with Aston Villa, Howe said: "There's no doubt how the players will feel - they'll feel the same way I do.
"Alex is an outstanding player, and he's a good person, a good character. He wants to succeed in his career.
"This has been a difficult situation for him and the players to see us without him. They've handled it really well. But if Alex decided to come back and play for us, the players would welcome him."
Newcastle play their final match before the international break away at Leeds United on Saturday, with Isak expected to be absent once again.
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He will then link up with his international team-mates – along with fellow Newcastle player Anthony Elanga – for their first match against Slovenia in Ljubljana on Friday, September 5.
The squad will then travel to Pristina to play Kosovo, as Sweden begin their bid to qualify for next year’s finals in North America.
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