Newcastle United defender Krafth moves to defend Isak amid Liverpool fallout

Alexander Isak transfer news continues to dominate headlines after his dramatic £125m move from Newcastle to Liverpool on deadline day, but one of his closest friends has stepped in to cool tensions.

Newcastle United defender Emil Krafth has rubbished claims of a fractured Sweden camp, insisting suggestions of a split over Isak’s behaviour this summer are “taken out of thin air.” Speaking to Sportbladet, the right-back made clear there is no bitterness between teammates despite Isak forcing his way out of St James’ Park.

Rumours of a dressing room rift had circulated since the 25-year-old striker refused to play in pre-season for Newcastle, making a series of public statements before finally sealing his switch to Anfield. With Sweden’s squad featuring both Krafth and Newcastle United forward Anthony Elanga, some suggested tensions would surface. But Krafth has set the record straight.

For Newcastle fans, the frustration is raw. Isak had three years left on his contract and was seen as central to Eddie Howe’s long-term project. Instead, his deadline day departure — after downing tools in the summer — has left supporters angry.

The saga drew comparisons with Yoane Wissa’s switch in the opposite direction, as the Brentford striker also forced a transfer, joining Newcastle for £40m. But while Toon supporters celebrated Wissa’s arrival, Isak’s exit has been harder to accept given his 34 goals across two seasons in black and white.

At Anfield, Jürgen Klopp has made Isak central to his rebuild. The Sweden international offers versatility as both a No.9 and wide forward, capable of dovetailing with Darwin Núñez or playing solo at the tip of a 4-3-3. His arrival provides Liverpool with the mobile, clinical forward line they’ve been craving since Sadio Mané’s exit.

For Newcastle, though, the loss of Isak’s pressing intensity and hold-up play leaves a tactical void. Eddie Howe will rely heavily on Callum Wilson’s fitness and Wissa’s adaptation to the system to maintain their top-four push.

FootballPlace analyst John William argues that while Newcastle’s fans feel betrayed, the transfer highlights the club’s next step:

Isak’s sale mirrors the reality of competing with Europe’s giants. When Liverpool come calling with Champions League football, few players resist. For Newcastle, reinvesting the £125m smartly will decide whether the project stalls or accelerates.

William adds that Liverpool have arguably landed the missing piece: a striker who combines pace, finishing, and link-up play, fitting Klopp’s high-energy template perfectly. “The backlash is natural,” he says, “but in six months’ time, Isak could be leading Liverpool’s title charge.”

Isak is expected to debut for Liverpool after the international break, likely against Wolves. A strong start could silence critics in the North East, though boos are inevitable when he returns to St James’ Park later this season.

For Newcastle, the focus turns to how Wissa and Woltemade adapt to life without their talisman. With Champions League football still on the horizon, Howe’s ability to rally his squad will define their campaign.

👉 Should Newcastle fans forgive Alexander Isak for forcing a move — or is the damage permanent?