Dan Burn was asked about his former Newcastle team-mate Alexander Isak after the Swedish international striker completed a record-breaking deadline day move to Liverpool
Newcastle defender Dan Burn says there is no bad blood towards Alexander Isak after the striker's drawn-out summer transfer saga. Isak made it clear his time at St James' Park was over, eventually completing a deadline day move to Liverpool for £125m.
The Magpies have moved on, adding Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa to their ranks as they aim to replace Isak's goals. England international Burn was asked about his former team-mate when speaking to media ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Andorra and made his feelings clear.
"I'm glad it’s done," Burn told reporters. "We wanted the transfer window to shut just to get a bit of clarity on it.
"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.
"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."
Isak was signed too late to feature for Liverpool in the victory over Arsenal which left Arne Slot's side out on their own at the top of the table. He could make his debut against Burnley, though, with the Reds travelling to Turf Moor on September 14 before beginning their Champions League campaign a few days later.
Before that, Isak has the small matter of two World Cup qualifiers with Sweden. Jon Dahl Tomasson's team take on Slovenia and Kosovo in a double-header during the September break as they look to make up for missing out on the 2022 tournament.
Burn and England also face two qualifiers in the space of a couple of days. Thomas Tuchel's team are up against Andorra on Saturday before heading to Serbia for an away game on Tuesday.
“It’s been a long journey to get here," Isak told club media in his first comments as a Liverpool player. "But I’m super-happy to be a part of this team, this club and everything it stands for. It’s something I’m proud of and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I’m just happy it’s done and that I can get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and the fans, and getting back out there.”