Alexander Isak issues blunt refusal as Liverpool fans forced to wait

Liverpool fans will have to wait to hear from new acquisition Alexander Isak ahead of Sweden's opening fixture of the international break.

The forward, who sealed a club-record £125million switch to Anfield on deadline day, is believed to have declined media opportunities before his nation's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Friday. Isak maintained a low profile throughout the summer whilst awaiting his transfer from Newcastle, though matters took a dramatic turn when he issued a damning statement regarding supposed "broken promises".

The move was delayed until the eleventh hour, with the Magpies bringing in attackers Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa during the window's closing stages. According to Swedish publication Fotboll Skanalen, Sweden's press manager Petra Thoren confirmed Isak would not fulfil media obligations before the Slovenia clash.

Thoren explained that the striker's delayed arrival with the international squad and his focus on match preparation contributed to this decision. The same outlet references "ongoing dialogue" between Isak and Sweden's media team.

This suggests the possibility of Isak participating in press conferences later during the international window, though nothing has been confirmed. Sweden's clash with Slovenia forms part of a double-header as Jon Dahl Tomasson's squad kick off their World Cup qualifying journey.

Switzerland complete the quartet in their group, with the table-toppers securing direct passage to the 2026 World Cup whilst the second-placed nation enters the play-off stage. Following his switch to Liverpool, Isak has addressed club media, revealing his motivations behind the move.

"It's a mixture of what the club is building, but what they're building on top of what the club already is. The history of the club," he said.

"Me getting the chance to be a part of this, I want to create history. I want to win trophies. That's ultimately the biggest motivation for me and I feel like this is the perfect place for me to grow even further and to take my game to the next level and help the team as well."

Liverpool's fresh No. 9 hasn't featured in competitive action since May, when he completed the entire 90 minutes for Newcastle against Everton.

The Magpies struggled without the 25 year old, failing to secure victory in any of their opening three league fixtures this campaign, whilst Liverpool have claimed maximum points from three matches - including a thrilling 3-2 triumph over Newcastle at St James' Park.

Isak might be poised to make his Liverpool bow immediately following the international break, with Arne Slot's outfit travelling to face Burnley at Turf Moor on September 14.

His Anfield introduction could materialise three days later, against Atletico Madrid in Liverpool's Champions League curtain-raiser.

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