In a dramatic turn of events, Alexander Isak’s departure from Newcastle United to Liverpool on deadline day in a British-record transfer has sent shockwaves through the football world. The Swedish striker, who pushed for a move away from St James’ Park throughout the summer, left behind a heartfelt yet surprising message in the Newcastle squad’s WhatsApp group, thanking his teammates for the memories they created together. Despite the tensions surrounding his exit, Newcastle’s Dan Burn revealed there is “no animosity” toward the departing star.
A Controversial Exit
Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle was no secret. The 25-year-old forward was omitted from the club’s opening three Premier League matches of the 2025/26 season and was instructed to train separately from the first-team squad. His persistent efforts to secure a transfer drew significant backlash, with Newcastle legend Alan Shearer publicly criticizing Isak’s behavior. Shearer’s comments echoed the frustrations of many fans, who felt betrayed by the striker’s actions.
Isak, however, stood firm, later issuing a public statement claiming that Newcastle had made “broken promises” to him, fueling speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions. The situation kept the Newcastle squad under constant scrutiny, with players frequently fielding questions from journalists about whether Isak would stay or go.
The Farewell Message
Despite the controversy, Isak’s final act as a Newcastle player was to leave a message in the team’s WhatsApp group chat. According to Dan Burn, the message was simple but poignant: a thank-you for the shared memories and a farewell as he embarked on his new journey with Liverpool. Burn, an England international and one of Isak’s closest teammates, described the exchange as positive, with the squad responding warmly to their departing colleague.
“Alex is my mate at the end of the day,” Burn said in an interview. “It was a tough situation, but I’m glad that we’re getting a good return on a player that we’ve had, and he’s getting the move that he wanted. He put a message in the chat just saying that he was leaving, and thanks for the memories, all that sort of stuff, and the lads replied. There’s no hard feelings from me. I have nothing but good wishes for Alex.”
Burn’s comments reflect a sense of professionalism and camaraderie within the Newcastle squad, despite the challenging circumstances. He acknowledged the fans’ frustration but emphasized that the departure was handled amicably, with the club securing a favorable financial deal.
A Memorable Partnership
Isak’s time at Newcastle was marked by significant highs, most notably his role in the club’s stunning Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool last season. Both Isak and Burn found the net in that match, securing Newcastle’s first piece of silverware in 70 years. The irony of Isak now joining the very team Newcastle defeated adds another layer of intrigue to the saga.
To soften the blow of Isak’s departure, Newcastle moved quickly to bolster their attacking options, signing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa on deadline day. These additions have been met with optimism, with new recruit Anthony Elanga expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to move forward.
“It has been chill,” Elanga said. “He had a contract with us, and now he is with Liverpool. We all think he is a very good player. We lost a good player, but we also signed good players. Hopefully, we can look forward and focus on this season.”
Moving On
For Newcastle, the focus now shifts to putting the transfer saga behind them and building on their early-season form. Burn believes the situation has brought the squad closer together, highlighting the resilience and unity within the team. “It has brought us closer, really,” he said. “I’m not silly, I’ve been around football a long time, and people have short careers. They want to max out absolutely everything they can.”
As Newcastle prepares for the challenges of the new season, the departure of Alexander Isak will remain a talking point. However, with new talent in the ranks and a determination to move forward, the Magpies are ready to write the next chapter of their story—without their former star striker.