Alexander Isak booed in nightmare first appearance since frosty Newcastle exit

The first chapter of Alexander Isak’s career as a Liverpool player began not at a roaring Anfield, but in the charged atmosphere of a World Cup qualifier in Pristina.

For the first time since completing his British record £130 million move from Newcastle United, the Swedish striker was back on a football pitch, but his long-awaited return was anything but a triumphant celebration.

Instead, it was a night of frustration, hostility, and a stark reminder that his actions over the summer have not been forgotten by everyone.

Coming on as a 72nd-minute substitute with his team already trailing 2-0 to Kosovo, Isak entered the game to a chorus of boos from the home supporters.

There was no clear reason for the hostile reception, as the transfer saga between Newcastle and Liverpool holds no direct connection to Kosovo.

It was perhaps simply a case of a passionate crowd identifying the most high-profile player on the opposing team and making their feelings known, a common tactic to unsettle a key opponent.

The evening did not get any easier for him from there. Just minutes after coming on, he found himself in the middle of a scuffle between the two teams following a strong challenge.

The referee brandished yellow cards to settle the tensions, and Isak’s name was taken, a booking that summed up a chaotic and frustrating cameo.

He did manage to fashion one late chance, but his shot was struck straight at the goalkeeper, summing up a night where nothing quite went right for him or his national team.

For Liverpool fans watching, the most important takeaway will be that he emerged from the match without any injury concerns.

After a summer where he deliberately avoided all pre-season action and Newcastle’s opening Premier League fixtures to force through his move, his fitness and sharpness were always going to be a question mark.

While this performance was rusty and underwhelming, the mere fact that he has now played competitive minutes is a step forward.

The focus now shifts entirely to his club debut, which could come as soon as this weekend when Liverpool travel to face Burnley.

That match will offer a very different kind of pressure. The Anfield crowd will be eager to embrace their new record signing, hoping he can quickly become the prolific goal scorer they believe they have acquired.

Yet, this difficult night in Kosovo serves as an early lesson. The scrutiny on a player of his price tag is immense, and every move he makes will be analyzed.

After a summer of silence and strategic absence, Alexander Isak’s football is now doing all the talking, and he will be desperate for it to tell a better story very soon.