Alexander Isak of Sweden reacts as he looks on from the substitute's bench during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Slovenia and Sweden at Stozice Stadium on September 05, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)placeholder image
Alexander Isak of Sweden reacts as he looks on from the substitute's bench during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Slovenia and Sweden at Stozice Stadium on September 05, 2025 in Ljubljana, Slovenia. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Several Newcastle United players have spoken about Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.
Isak went on strike at Newcastle this summer and got his desired outcome on transfer deadline day after joining Liverpool for a British record £130million.
It came after Isak sat out of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia and then refused to reintegrate into the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
The 25-year-old trained alone at the club’s Benton training ground and left Eddie Howe’s side without an experienced striker, a big factor in why they are still searching for their first victory of the campaign.
Isak’s conduct has left a bitter taste in the mouths of supporters, and that feeling was captured by the football club. In a statement confirming the Swede’s sale, there was no mention of his goals and no thank you or well wishes.
Emil Krafth comments on Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United
There have been split views over the Isak saga but there has been no split in the dressing room, according to international teammate Emil Krafth.
Krafth and Anthony Elanga are currently on Sweden duty and have both commented on Isak’s exit.
“There were many who wanted to see Alex stay but you understand how football works,” Krafth told Swedish newspaper Sportbladet. “I wish him all the best in the future. For me, Alex is not just a footballer, but a close friend too.
“The media wrote that the locker room would be divided. That is certainly not true. Football players understand football players and we can only wish him the best of luck.
“As Anthony (Elanga) said, it has been very chill. No one has said or done anything. It is just taken out of thin air. You understand his and the club’s situation. Of course, they would have wanted to keep him, he is an incredibly good football player.”
What Dan Burn said about Alexander Isak’s exit
Geordie defender Dan Burn arguably has the deepest connection to Newcastle within squad, and he too said he held no animosity towards Isak.
"I am glad it is done,” Burn admitted (via BBC Sport). “We wanted the transfer window closed to have a bit of clarity on it. I have been in football long enough to understand that for a player, the careers are short and they have got things they want to achieve.
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"Alex is a mate and it is a tough situation because you want him to be around and helping the team, but also understand for him what he needs to do personally. I have nothing but good wishes for Alex.
"No animosity. As a Newcastle fan, we are very protective of our club and city and we want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle and you don't want them to naively think that there is anywhere else to go apart from Newcastle. So I understand why our fans are frustrated.
"I wish Alex all the best apart from when we play Liverpool, obviously."
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