LIVERPOOL: Alexander Isak has had his first training session with Liverpool after completing a £125 million move to Merseyside last week – Britain’s highest transfer record.
The 26-year-old Swedish striker was called up to the national squad for World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo, before returning to his new team-mates at Melwood training ground on Wednesday.
Isak looked cheerful with a big smile while wearing an Adidas Liverpool training jersey, but it is not yet certain whether he is fit enough to play against Burnley at Turf Moor this Sunday.
Despite missing pre-season training, Isak made a substitute appearance in Sweden’s 2-0 humiliating defeat by Kosovo on Monday, coming on for the final 20 minutes. The defeat leaves Sweden at risk of missing out on a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
With just two points after two matches, Sweden are five points behind group leaders Switzerland and two points behind Kosovo.
The situation sparked anger from fans to the point that several players received death threats on social media, which are now under investigation by the police.
Isak’s move to Liverpool was a long drama throughout the summer, with the player reporting injury to avoid Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia before going on strike to force a move.
The move drew heavy criticism, particularly from Newcastle fans, with the club announcing his departure in just a brief 37-word statement — a cold farewell to their former star striker.
After Sweden’s defeat to Kosovo, Isak spoke for the first time about his attempts to leave Newcastle.
“Not everyone knows the whole story, that’s for another day. I can’t control everything that’s said or written. But I’m happy that I’m a Liverpool player now.
“It’s good that everything is finished before training camp, so I can focus back on playing football. It’s a new experience for me, but you’re always learning and growing mentally off the field as well,” he said.
After an initial bid of 110 million pounds in early August was rejected by Newcastle, Liverpool finally managed to secure Isak’s signature for a fee of 125 million pounds before the transfer deadline.