For the first time since one of the summer’s most dramatic transfer sagas reached its conclusion, Alexander Isak has spoken openly about his acrimonious departure from Newcastle United.
The 24-year-old striker became the most expensive signing in British football history when he completed a £125 million move to Anfield on deadline day. But the manner of his exit from Tyneside left a bitter taste. Isak accused Newcastle of “broken promises” during the summer and, amid escalating tension, refused to train or make himself available for selection in the final weeks of the transfer window.
That stance drew heavy criticism from both Newcastle supporters and neutral observers, with many accusing the Swede of effectively going on strike to force the move.
Now, while away on international duty, Isak has offered his perspective — albeit in guarded fashion. Having played his first competitive minutes since May in Sweden’s 2-0 defeat to Kosovo in World Cup qualifying on Monday night, he faced questions about the transfer storm that overshadowed much of his summer.
“It’s great that things were cleared up before the squad and that I could focus on playing football again,” Isak told reporters after the match. “It’s been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the pitch too.”
“It’s a bit like it is. It’s clear that not everyone has the whole picture, but that’s something for another day. Right now, the disappointment is about this match and how it went. But at the same time, I have a positive feeling about the club team part that is coming.”
The suggestion that “not everyone has the whole picture” is telling. Newcastle insist they had no intention of selling their star forward, who scored 35 goals in 67 appearances across all competitions following his arrival from Real Sociedad in 2022. But Isak has maintained there were promises about recruitment and ambition that went unfulfilled — frustrations which ultimately convinced him his future lay elsewhere.
Pressed further on the criticism he has faced, Isak was philosophical:
“That’s part of football. 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.”
Isak’s words won’t erase the anger many Newcastle fans still feel, nor the perception that he forced his way out. But his focus is now firmly on his new chapter on Merseyside.
At Liverpool, he becomes the centrepiece of Arne Slot’s second summer window, another statement signing intended to reshape the attack in both the short and long term. Isak’s combination of movement, technical quality, and finishing ability made him one of the most coveted strikers in Europe, and Liverpool were willing to pay a premium to secure him.
The Swede is eager to move forward.
“It’s great that things were cleared up before the (Sweden) squad and that I could focus on playing football again,” he reiterated. “It’s been a fairly new situation for me, but you always learn and develop mentally off the pitch too.”
For now, the disappointment of Sweden’s loss to Kosovo lingers. But later this week, Isak will report to the AXA Training Centre for the first time and begin working with his new teammates.
The focus quickly shifts to Sunday’s Premier League clash away at Burnley a game in which Liverpool’s new record signing could make his debut.
