Newcastle new boy Anthony Elanga arrived this summer and quickly saw Alexander Isak push for the exit door as the Magpies squad were left to digest his controversial departure
Newcastle ace Anthony Elanga finds himself rubbing shoulders with Alexander Isak in the Sweden squad and said "Good luck to him" after the striker finally secured his move to Liverpool.
Isak made it clear earlier this summer that he wanted to explore his options away from St James' Park and Anfield soon emerged as his likely destination. Newcastle had stood firm on their stance that he would not be sold, leading Isak to down tools to force his move.
His fellow Swede Elanga had just made the move to the Magpies, joining them from Nottingham Forest, and was part of the squad that had to deal with the constant noise surrounding Isak's future. The striker was even told to train on his own away from the main group.
Isak secured his exit on deadline day with Newcastle receiving a British-record fee, bringing an end to the saga. Elanga is now having to play alongside the player who rubbed up the Toon fanbase the wrong way and has delivered a short response.
He told Fotbollskanalen: "Isak is a Liverpool player right now. I have the chance to play with him in the national team. He had a good career at Newcastle, but right now he is a Liverpool player. Good luck to him.”
The forward downplayed any sense of drama within the squad, insisting they've still bought in plenty of talent. He added: “It has been chill. He had a contract with us and right 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.”
Newcastle have two points from their opening three games and are still eyeing their first win. Their next outing after the international break could see them boast new arrivals Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa in their starting XI.
Newcastle won't face Isak in his new colours until late January when they head to Anfield to play the Reds. Liverpool have recently secured victory over the Magpies, doing so whilst the Isak saga dragged on with the striker left out of Eddie Howe's squad for the first three games.
Elanga maintained Isak was free to do what he wanted with his career. “It’s his choice," he said. "He chose Liverpool. Good luck to him. He is a friend to me and a fantastic footballer. I can play with him in the national team and that is good as well.”