Dan Burn sends Alexander Isak message: 'As a Newcastle fan...'

Tom Weber
Tom Weber
  • Updated: 5 Sept 2025 15:26 BST
  • 4 min read
Alexander Isak, Newcastle
© IMAGO

Newcastle defender Dan Burn has addressed Alexander Isak's controversial move to Liverpool, which has seen the Sweden international become persona non grata on Tyneside.

Article continues under the video

The 25-year-old went AWOL in the summer to force through his exit from the Magpies. Isak refused to go on Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia and even travelled to Spain without permission to keep himself fit at former club Real Sociedad.

When the team returned to England, Isak was ordered to keep himself fit individually. He had to come into training in the afternoon and was not allowed to have any contact with the other players.

Current ETV
Player image Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Liverpool logo

Liverpool

Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak

F (C)

Liverpool

Liverpool

€140.1M

ETV Range

€105.1M - €175.1M

He eventually did get his move on Deadline Day, becoming the most expensive player in the history of British football by joining Liverpool for €145 million.

However, he burnt plenty of bridges to get to that point, forever tarnishing his legacy as the man who delivered Newcastle's first trophy in 70 years.

Burn: Newcastle fans are naive

Newcastle star Dan Burn has now spoken out on Isak's transfer saga while on England duty, sharing a balanced view of the situation. "I'm glad it's done," the defender began. "We wanted the transfer window to close to have a bit of clarity on it.

"I've been in football long enough to understand that for a player, careers are short. They have things that they want to achieve. So, for me, I'm happy it is over.

Alexander Isak
© IMAGO - Alexander Isak

"Alex is a mate, so it was a tough situation. You want him to be around to help the team, but you also understand for him what he needs to do personally. I've got nothing but good wishes for Alex. There's no animosity.

"As a Newcastle fan, we are very protective of our club and our city. You want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle. Naively, you don't want them to think there is anywhere to go other than Newcastle.

"So, I understand why our fans are frustrated, but I've been in the game long enough to understand what goes on. I wish Alex all the best apart from when we play Liverpool."

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