Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been named in Sweden’s squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo next month, despite his uncertain club future.
The 25-year-old has yet to feature for Newcastle this season, with speculation surrounding his future intensifying after reports of Liverpool’s failed bid earlier in August. Sources close to the situation told ESPN that Newcastle rejected the approach, insisting their conditions for his departure had not been met.
Breakdown in Trust
Last week, Isak released a strongly worded statement in which he revealed he had lost trust in Newcastle’s management due to what he described as “broken promises.” The club responded quickly, rejecting his claims and maintaining their stance that a transfer can only happen if their terms are satisfied.
The tension escalated further when Newcastle manager Eddie Howe expressed his frustration that the saga had become public. “These are matters we would prefer to deal with behind closed doors,” Howe said, signaling his disappointment with how events have unfolded.
Training Alone, Missing Matches
Amid the standoff, Isak has been training away from the main group. He was also left out of Newcastle’s 3-2 Premier League defeat to Liverpool on Monday, fueling speculation about his immediate future. Reports suggest the Swedish international remains keen to secure a move away from St James’ Park, despite attempts by the club’s ownership to reconcile with him during a personal visit to his home.
International Focus
Despite the turmoil, Sweden manager Janne Andersson has placed full confidence in the striker, calling him up for crucial qualifiers. Sweden will face Slovenia and Kosovo in their bid to book a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Isak’s inclusion highlights his continued importance to the national setup, even as his club career hangs in the balance. With Liverpool still monitoring the situation and Newcastle standing firm, the coming weeks could prove decisive for his future.
