Alexander Isak is set to return to St. James' Park for the first time since his move to Liverpool, with Newcastle captain Dan Burn admitting a "lot of things happened" surrounding the striker's departure
Dan Burn has spoken about Alexander Isak's return to Newcastle
Dan Burn has spoken about Alexander Isak's return to Newcastle(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle skipper Dan Burn acknowledges that "a lot of things happened" surrounding the circumstances of Alexander Isak's exit from the club and maintains the supporters "don't need motivating" ahead of his return.
Isak effectively downed tools last summer before departing Newcastle to sign for Liverpool, leaving fans deeply aggrieved.
The Magpies had already faced Liverpool at home last campaign before he finalized his switch on transfer deadline day, meaning that nearly a year later, Sunday marks the Swedish striker's first visit back to his previous club when Newcastle hosts Liverpool at St. James' Park in the curtain-raiser for the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
He is anticipated to face a frosty welcome at a ground where he had been idolized for three seasons, but Burn believes it would be naive for Newcastle to fixate solely on Isak rather than the numerous other dangers Andoni Iraola's team presents.
"I think there's obviously a lot of things happened with the Alex transfer, and I think the fans don't need motivating for that," Burn told reporters following last weekend's draw with Strasbourg.
"But I think if you're only concentrating on Alex, we're making a mistake.
Isak left Newcastle for Liverpool this time last year
Isak left Newcastle for Liverpool this time last year(Image: Getty Images)
"I think Liverpool are a very good team, a team that we've not managed to beat in the league yet.
"That we want to change.
"But it's a very exciting game at the start of the season, as I said, they're always the best games against Liverpool at home, so, yeah, I'm looking forward to it."
Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle was also questioned about the influence Isak's comeback might have on the crowd at St. James' Park on Sunday, responding: "I like him a lot, he is pure quality as a player.
"I don't know him as a human being, but our lads will just focus on themselves. This is the most important thing.
"I think our fans will focus on our lads, engaging with them, supporting them, that will be the most important thing."
Sunday will mark Iraola's first competitive game in charge of Liverpool since he succeeded Arne Slot as the club's head coach earlier this summer.
Jaissle will also oversee his first competitive match as Newcastle's manager, having replaced Eddie Howe at St. James' Park.