What Sweden’s manager told Arne Slot about Alexander Isak will delight Liverpool fans

Liverpool secured the signing of Alexander Isak on transfer deadline day, and now fans have been handed a positive update by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson ahead of his return to football.

Isak left Newcastle United for a British record fee of £125million, ending the transfer saga of the summer as he penned a six-year deal with the Merseyside giants.

Isak had refused to train or play for Newcastle throughout the summer to force a move to Anfield, which is something that got over the line in the final hours of the window.

However, without a pre-season, the talented talisman will be joining the Reds slightly rustier than fans might expect.

Isak returned to football training as part of the Sweden squad’s upcoming World Cup qualification games, as the striker prepares for his first game back since his controversial decision to down tools at Newcastle.

Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images

Sweden will not do ‘stupid things’ with Alexander Isak

Sweden are preparing to face Slovenia on Friday night in the first of two games in this international break, with the other being against Kosovo on Monday.

Tomasson has spoke to Sky Sports about Liverpool’s new signing, revealing that he has been in communication with the club about Isak’s game time.

“His form is what I said the other day, normally you do a pre-season, you play plenty of games, you have plenty of training, that’s not the case. Is he able to play 90 minutes? Of course not.

“Are we going to do stupid things with Alexander? No, we are not going to do any stupid things with him. So, of course, we have a plan, but he is smiling and he’s happy to be here.

“No instruction [from Liverpool], like we always have, we have a very good connection with different clubs. I’ve spoken with the manager.

“Our doctor has spoken with the doctor, our physio has spoken with the physical department of Liverpool. Normal communication that we have with each club.”

Liverpool fans will undoubtedly be happy to hear that Isak isn’t going to be pushed to the extreme.

However, him getting some minutes for Sweden will push Isak closer to full fitness for his first game under Arne Slot.

Alexander Isak will have to dislodge Hugo Ekitike

Isak signing for Liverpool is a big deal for the Reds due to his qualities up front, but he’s not the only striker who the defending Premier League champions have signed this summer.

Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool earlier in the transfer window and has already settled in nicely to life at Anfield, showcasing his own skills in front of goal.

Hugo Ekitike stats (2025-26) Games Played Goals Assists Minutes Played Premier League 3 2 1 Community Shield 1 1 0 71′ Hugo Ekitike’s Liverpool stats

Ekitike will be aiming to retain his position in the starting lineup regardless of Isak’s arrival, and it will be down to the Sweden international to dislodge him.

Of course, Isak’s talent has been proven in the Premier League as he scored 54 times in 86 outings for Newcastle, a record that Liverpool will be hoping he continues moving forward.

Meanwhile, Ekitike is happy to play anywhere for Liverpool, which is something he’s publicly admitted, and might be put to the test as soon as Isak is fit enough.

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