Alexander Isak is currently competing in his first-ever World Cup tournament this summer, but has another country’s flag on his boots. Liverpool’s British transfer fee record signing has looked much more like himself so far this tournament, with one goal and three assists in three appearances meaning he ranks among the best performers based on stats.

Sweden drew 1-1 with Japan in their final match to set up an unenviable Round of 32 tie with France, who are among the favourites for glory come July 19. In that crunch fixture, Isak is likely to come up against Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, but there’s no reason for him not to believe he can go toe-to-toe with them alongside Viktor Gyokeres.

Eagle-eyed supporters watching Tuesday night’s action might be keen to spot which flag Isak wears on his boots ahead of the iconic blue and yellow Swedish emblem. There’s a reason behind it.

Which Flag Alexander Isak Wears on his Boots – And Why

TT News Agency via Reuters

Isak is proud of his heritage and has the Eritrean flag on his boots. The flag has been seen on Isak’s right Adidas boot in both World Cup games. Though he was born in Solna, just north of capital Stockholm, Isak’s parents are from Eritrea in Horn of Africa and moved to Sweden. Speaking in an interview with Alan Shearer, he said:

He visited a football school during a trip to Eritrea, where he was mobbed by young children who look up to him. The country marked its 35th Independence Day in May after decades of struggle, and Isak wore an Eritrea shirt to send a celebratory message.

Located on the Red Sea coast, Eritrea borders Ethiopia, Sudan and Djibouti. The country gained independence in 1993 after a long war of liberation.

Isak represented Sweden at youth level before making his senior debut in 2017, ultimately committing his international future to the Scandinavian nation. Although he was also eligible to play for Eritrea, the national team had endured a long absence from major continental competition, going close to two decades without an Africa Cup of Nations appearance.

Their return to competitive action in March this year marked a rare bright moment, as they beat Eswatini 2-0 in a qualifier staged in Morocco due to a lack of suitable infrastructure in Eritrea. They followed that up with a 2-1 win in the return leg, results that finally earned the nation an official FIFA world ranking after years of inactivity.

Before those victories, Eritrea had been the only unranked side in the system. Their earlier absence from qualifiers, including withdrawals from 2026 World Cup qualifying, left them in a unique position within the rankings. Reporting has previously suggested that repeated pullouts were linked in part to concerns over players seeking asylum while travelling abroad for international fixtures.

Since 2007, it is estimated that dozens of players and coaching staff have left the national setup during overseas trips, according to UN figures. More recently, Eritrea sit around 184th in the FIFA rankings, though that position could improve if they maintain consistent participation and results moving forward.

Manchester City have now entered the race to beat Liverpool and Arsenal to a signing in the summer transfer window.

It’s already looking like a summer transfer window where the top clubs in the Premier League are all competing for similar targets.

The midfield market is going crazy at the moment, and it seems every top-six side in the Premier League is pushing to add another body in the middle of the park.

Clubs will always be fearful when a side like Manchester City enters the race, as they certainly aren’t afraid to splash the cash in the market.

Man City are already pushing to bring in a new midfielder, with reports confirming that they have now agreed a deal to sign Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson.

City are preparing for life under a new manager, with GIVEMESPORT sources confirming that Enzo Maresca will replace Pep Guardiola, although his appointment is yet to be confirmed.

Man City Enter Liverpool and Arsenal Race

According to Fabrizio Romano on YouTube, Manchester City have entered the race to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The Premier League side want to sign the Moroccan international in 2027 rather than now, and they face competition from both Arsenal and Liverpool.

Whether Manchester City not being keen until 2027 impacts Bouaddi’s future remains to be seen, as Arsenal or Liverpool could make a move in the summer of 2026.

Another season playing regularly in Ligue 1 might not be bad for Bouaddi’s development before making the move to Man City next summer.

Man City Could Miss Out on Bouaddi

via Reuters

Manchester City could miss out on the signing of Bouaddi, described as a ridiculous talent, in the summer of 2027, as there’s a strong chance that Arsenal or Liverpool make a move this year.

If Liverpool and Arsenal know that Man City have an interest, they might want to make a move quickly in order to get ahead in the race.

Bouaddi is already enjoying a strong World Cup for Morocco, so there is every chance that another club enters the race to secure his signature.

This could make it difficult for City to beat the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal for his signature, especially if he is keen on making a move in the coming weeks and months.

Tottenham are showing an interest in signing a new forward in the summer transfer window as an alternative to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.

After solving their defensive issues earlier in the window, attention for Tottenham can now turn to strengthening in other positions.

Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan-Paul Van Hecke have all arrived through the door at the back, while they have also been focusing on midfield additions.

Reports have claimed that Spurs have submitted a £100m bid to sign Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. The North London club are also in the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, though they face competition from fellow Premier League side Manchester United.

Alongside the defensive and midfield signings, they could also look to strengthen in the final third.

Tottenham Eyeing Premier League Forward

According to reports, Tottenham are interested in signing Liverpool forward Gakpo in the summer transfer window, but they also have an alternative target.

It’s claimed that Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush is also an option for Spurs, despite him having a sky-high asking price.

The Egyptian international could also cost a lot in terms of wages, with Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claiming that he earns around £280,000 a week at the Etihad Stadium.

Marmoush, described as ‘world-class’ by Flashscore journalist Anton Latuska, has struggled to cement himself as a guaranteed starter for Manchester City of late. That may change now Pep Guardiola has gone, but he started just eight Premier League games for City last season.

Marmoush Could be Smart Signing for Tottenham

The signing of Marmoush could be a smart one for Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

The Manchester City forward is a versatile option in the final third, capable of playing as a centre forward, as a number ten, or even out wide.

It will be interesting to see where De Zerbi plans on playing the Egyptian international if he does make the move, but his versatility alone could be crucial.

It is clear that Tottenham are targeting a particular profile of forward in the summer, given the links to Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who can also play all across the front line.