Dan Burn insists there is no lingering resentment towards Alexander Isak after the striker’s record-breaking departure from Newcastle United to Liverpool.
Isak’s departure was marked by farewell messages from Sven Botman and Anthony Gordon on social media. Burn, however, avoided posting publicly and instead addressed it while speaking at England’s media briefing ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia.
The Swedish international made it clear in July that he felt his future lay elsewhere, with Newcastle eventually sanctioning the move as Liverpool sought a marquee forward to spearhead Arne Slot’s new-look attack.
For Newcastle, it represents both a financial windfall and a sporting challenge. For Burn, it is the closing of a difficult chapter and a moment to look forward as much as back.
The Magpies must now adapt without the club’s top scorer last season, while Burn focuses on his role with England.
“I’m glad it’s done. We can all move on now.”
Isak’s drawn-out transfer saga ended on deadline day when the 25-year-old sealed a £125 million move to Anfield — a British-record fee.
Burn, who shared a dressing room with Isak for two seasons at St James’ Park, revealed the overriding emotion is relief that the uncertainty is over.
“We wanted the transfer window to shut just to get a bit of clarity on it.”
Isak had made clear his desire to leave earlier in the summer, and while Newcastle supporters were frustrated, Burn struck a more pragmatic tone.
“I have been in football long enough to understand that for a player, careers are short.
For me, it is a tough situation because Alex is a mate, so you want him to be around helping the team, but I have nothing but good wishes for Alex.”
The 31-year-old defender acknowledged the disappointment among Newcastle fans but said he understood both perspectives.
“No animosity towards him, you know what Newcastle fans are like, we are very protective of your club and your city and want players who want to play for Newcastle.
You don’t want them naively think there is anywhere else to play but Newcastle. So I understand why our fans are frustrated, but as I say I have been in the game long enough now to understand what goes on.
As I say, I wish Alex all the best — apart from when we play Liverpool obviously.”
The striker was unavailable for Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday due to the timing of his registration, but could make his debut away at Burnley on September 14.
Arne Slot’s side then begin their Champions League campaign a few days later.
