Newcastle United have put the Alexander Isak transfer saga firmly in their rear-view mirror.
Rafa Benitez has revealed people at Newcastle United are secretly missing former talisman Alexander Isak.
Liverpool got their man for a British transfer record earlier this month. A summer-long saga came to an end - much to the relief of everyone on Tyneside.
Isak downed tools for Newcastle in a successful effort to force his controversial exit. The Swede made his Liverpool debut last night, firing a blank before getting subbed on 58 minutes.
Rafa Benitez on Alexander Isak secret
Speaking to TNT Sports, Benitez - who managed both clubs - insisted people he has spoken to at Newcastle are gutted about Isak’s exit. The same cannot be said for the supporters, who view the Swede as persona non grata at St James’ Park.
"I will tell you a secret, talking to Newcastle United people, they are missing him,” Benitez said. “He was doing so well, he was adapting to the style, to the game. He is clever with his movements.
“He can play in the middle or he can go wide. He runs in behind and he can dribble. So I think it will be a great signing for Liverpool and a big miss for Newcastle United.”
‘Rusty’ - Rafa Benitez
The Spaniard also noted how he “expects” Isak to be rusty given his lack of pre-season. His poor sharpness is a direct consequence of refusing to play at Newcastle.
"I expect him to be rusty,” Benitez added. “I don’t expect him to be at his best yet. The main thing is to get minutes under his belt, to stay fit and to improve every time he steps out on this pitch.
“Every minute he plays, with this group of players, he should get better and better and better. His talent is undisputed; we know how good he is, but being a number nine at Liverpool football club is hard."
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Bruno Guimaraes on Alexander Isak exit
Toon skipper Bruno Guimaraes, when speaking to reporters yesterday, looked to the future rather than dwell on the Isak saga. He said: “As a player, we don’t want to lose our best players, if you want to be successful. We have to improve our squad, and I think we did this very well this summer - we look forward to go again.
“I want to win things. I have never changed my mind and I still look to make history at this club. We have been in the Champions League two times in the last three years, that is unbelievable for us. We have to keep that going. There is a big job for us to do here and I want to be part of this team.
“I think football is business. The club made a choice. He’s gone and I wish him all the best. I am grateful for everything we achieved together. But this is not the time to look at the past, it's time to look forward to the future at Newcastle. We have the Barca game and we are looking forward to it.”
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