Alexander Isak Set to Return as Newcastle Contract Standoff Intensifies

Alexander Isak has been included in Sweden's roster for the September international fixtures despite his continued standoff with Newcastle United.

The 25-year-old forward hasn't featured for the Magpies since their Premier League loss to Everton in May. Reports suggest Isak communicated his transfer intentions to Newcastle following that match, marking another instance of his expressed desire to depart.

Throughout the following three months, which saw only one official offer of £110 million ($147.9 million) from Liverpool, Isak has avoided Newcastle's pre-season activities and maintains separate training sessions at the club's facilities. Club ownership representatives reportedly attempted to engage with their star player in discussions aimed at resolving the situation this week, but were reportedly met with firm resistance.

Although absent from the opening fortnight of the new season, Isak remains part of Sweden's international setup for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Slovenia and Kosovo.

Sweden's head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson has firmly supported his key striker, suggesting there are complex behind-the-scenes factors at play.

Newcastle's midfield captain Bruno Guimarães expressed his desire to see the club's "top player" return to action promptly. "I haven't spoken with him directly," the Brazilian shared with ESPN following his impressive performance in Monday's narrow 3–2 loss to Liverpool. "Our training sessions happen in the morning, while he practices separately when the squad isn't present.

"In my role as captain, and speaking for the team, this creates a challenging dynamic because we want our strongest players available. However, this matter is beyond our influence—the club hierarchy, management, and ownership are handling it, and I'm hopeful for a positive resolution.

"We're definitely feeling the void left by our striker, someone who netted over 20 Premier League goals last campaign, so his absence is certainly noticeable. We're eager to have our top performer back, but sadly this situation is outside the control of myself or any teammate."