Despite finally completing his controversial transfer to Liverpool from Newcastle United, Alexander Isak is still commanding plenty of attention as he prepares for his Reds debut
KIRKBY, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 01: Alexander Isak signs for Liverpool FC at AXA Training Centre on September 01, 2025 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Nikki Dyer - LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
It's been a hectic time for Alexander Isak following his move to Liverpool
Alexander Isak has dominated the football headlines this summer without kicking a ball after successfully agitating for a move to Liverpool. The Swede went from Newcastle hero to public enemy No. 1 for lobbying to leave the Magpies for the Premier League champions.
Such was his desire to depart that he trained away from Eddie Howe’s squad and then released an explosive social media statement, accusing Newcastle of breaking promises after the Reds’ opening bid was rejected. But having dug their heels in for most of the summer, the Magpies eventually gave in to Isak’s demands, selling him for a British record £125million just before the summer deadline.
As he prepares to potentially make his Liverpool debut at Burnley on Sunday, here’s a round-up of Isak-related news since his controversial transfer…
Doctor talks
No sooner had the transfer been completed than Isak was flying off to join up with the Sweden squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo.
Having not played this season due to his exile from the Newcastle squad, Isak was short of match sharpness, leading to talks between Sweden head coach Jon Dahl Tomasson and Liverpool boss Arne Slot, plus the respective medical teams.
Before the games, Tomasson said: “We will not do any stupid things with him. He has not had a pre-season with lots of training and matches. He cannot play 90 minutes. We have a plan.
Jon Dahl Tomasson
Jon Dahl Tomasson has been in touch with Arne Slot about Isak
“We always have very good communication with the clubs. I have spoken to their manager. Our doctor has spoken to their doctor. Our physio Ben [Rosen] has spoken to their physio.
“I am happy that the guy is here. It doesn’t matter where the players play as long as they play and that they are happy, and he is extremely happy.”
Isak went on to be an unused substitute against Slovenia before coming on for the final 18 minutes in the 2-0 defeat in Kosovo, leading to suggestions Liverpool had placed a limit on his game time.
Former team-mate reveals WhatsApp response
While Newcastle fans were left seething by Isak’s conduct, many of his now former team-mates insist there are no hard feelings. When asked about Isak’s parting message in the players’ WhatsApp group, Magpies defender Dan Burn revealed: “He put a message in the chat just saying that he was leaving, and thanks for the memories, all that sort of stuff, and the lads replied.
“Yeah, of course it was all positive. I think Alex is getting what he wants, and now we've just got to focus and do what we can with the players that we've got.”
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 8: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates with Dan Burn after scoring a goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on October 8, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Dan Burn has commented on Isak's Newcastle exit
Newcastle rift denied
There have been suggestions that Isak’s behaviour has led to a dressing room split at St James’ Park, with some players backing his decision and others feeling betrayed.
But Isak’s Sweden team-mate, Emil Krafth, has insisted there is no rift amongst the players the striker has left behind. Krafth told Swedish title 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.”
Emil Krafth and Alexander Isak
Newcastle's Emil Krafth remains firm friends with Isak
Liverpool rival's delight
Fellow transfer window signing Hugo Ekitike has expressed his delight about Isak joining Liverpool - despite the fact it threatens his position in the side.
Ekitike has made a highly promising start to his Anfield career, but could be muscled out of the starting XI once Isak gets up to speed. Despite that, the 23-year-old insists he is looking forward to the competition.
He said this week: “It’s fun. When you play for the best teams, you expect to be competing with the best players. Isak is a player I've watched too, so seeing him arrive is a pleasure. It’s going to be tough competition, but I’m going to focus on performing well so that it's a problem for the manager.”
Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Crystal Palace in the 2025 FA Community Shield clash
Hugo Ekitike has welcomed the arrival of Isak(Image: Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Isak hits back
Clearly aware of the criticism he has received from the wider football world, Isak has insisted “not everyone has the whole picture” of his transfer saga.
He added: “I can’t control everything that is said or written but I’m glad I became a Liverpool player. That’s what I wanted and I’m happy about that. There is a lot to discuss, and it can be discussed for a long time. It has been educational, and I’m happy with the final result. I’m happy and proud to be a Liverpool player.
“I don’t want to go into details or talk about that situation too much. It is a closed chapter, but I have never had any problems. It’s been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the pitch too.”
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