Newcastle United star Dan Burn has broken his silence on Alexander Isak’s controversial move to Liverpool.
On deadline day, Newcastle United sold Isak to Liverpool for a British record fee, thought to be worth between £125-£130million.
Newcastle didn’t want to sell Isak but the Sweden international forced their hand. Newcastle fans were furious with Isak, who was in a self-imposed exile from Eddie Howe’s team while he waited for the green light to move to Anfield.
Indeed, some of the Newcastle squad were angry with Isak’s behaviour, with the team’s lack of a striker hampering them during the first three games of the season.
Still, what’s done is done. Isak has said goodbye to Newcastle fans, although his message is unlikely to help heal the wounds he has created.
Burn, however, struck a different note when speaking about the matter.
Dan Burn celebrates with Alexander Isak during a Premier League game between West Ham United and Newcastle United.
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Dan Burn doesn’t hold a grudge over Alexander Isak
The England defender was speaking at a press conference on Friday, ahead of his country’s meeting with Andorra on Saturday.
While Burn admitted he could see why Newcastle fans were unhappy with Isak, he revealed that he personally had no animosity towards him.
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In Burn’s view, sagas like that are just part of the game in professional football.
“I’m glad it’s done,” said Burn of Isak’s move.
“I think we wanted the transfer window to close, just to have a bit of clarity on it. But listen, I’ve been in football long enough to understand that for a player, the careers are short and they’ve got things that they want to achieve.
“So, for me, I’m happy that it’s over. Alex is a mate, so it was a tough situation because you want him to be around and helping the team. But [I] also understand for him what he needs to do personally, so I’ve got nothing but sort of good wishes for Alex.
He added: “No animosity [towards him]. I think, obviously as a Newcastle fan – and you know what Newcastle fans are like – we are very protective about our club and our city and you want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle and you don’t want them to sort of naively think there’s anywhere else to go apart from play at Newcastle.
“So, I understand why our fans are frustrated. But, as I said, I think I’ve been in the game long enough now to understand what goes on.
“As I said, I wish Alex all the best apart from when we play Liverpool, obviously.”
The two Newcastle United players who dropped a major hint about Alexander Isak
Both Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon sent public messages to Isak after his move to Liverpool.
They, of course, are well within their rights to. Isak is clearly a friend and, from a player’s view, is just getting a new job.
Players, of course, have a different view of it all. They tend to focus on their careers rather than emotional connections with clubs, as is their right.
However, what was more interesting was the fact not many other members of the Newcastle United squad appeared to publicly wish Isak well.
What goes on behind closed doors is their business but it was notable not many other players followed suit on social media.