Newcastle’s Dan Burn Has His Say on Alexander Isak After Liverpool Transfer Saga

Dan Burn has become the first Newcastle United player to speak in depth about Alexander Isak’s record-breaking move to Liverpool — and his message to angry fans is one of calm.

Isak forced through a £125million switch to Anfield on deadline day, ending a long-running saga that left Magpies supporters furious. Chants of “Isak’s a c***” were heard at St James’ Park before the deal was confirmed, with many fans feeling the Sweden striker betrayed the club.

However, Burn struck a more conciliatory tone when speaking on England duty on Friday. The 33-year-old defender reminded Newcastle fans that he is one of them too, but stressed he holds “no animosity” towards his friend and former teammate.

Dan Burn on Alexander Isak after Liverpool transfer: “No animosity”

“Alex is a mate and it is a tough situation because you want him to be around and helping the team, but also understand for him what he needs to do personally,” Burn said at Friday’s England press conference on the eve of their World Cup qualifier against Andorra at Villa Park.

“I have nothing but good wishes for Alex. No animosity. As a Newcastle fan, we are very protective of our club and city and we want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle. So I understand why our fans are frustrated. I wish Alex all the best apart from when we play Liverpool, obviously.”

Why Newcastle fans are furious with Isak after record transfer

Isak’s exit was the most toxic transfer saga of the summer window. Liverpool eventually paid a British-record fee and handed the forward a six-year deal through to 2031.

That deal followed weeks of tension in which Isak trained alone, missed pre-season friendlies and accused Newcastle of breaking promises. Eventually, the club sanctioned the sale once replacements were lined up. Having been financially boosted by Isak’s departure, Newcastle were able to splash out on Nick Woltemade (£69m from Stuttgart) and Yoane Wissa (£55m from Brentford).

But for many supporters, the bitterness stems not only from losing a star who scored 27 goals last season, but from the manner of his departure.

Burn on Marc Guehi after failed Liverpool move

Friday also saw Burn discuss England colleague Marc Guehi, who saw a deadline-day move to Liverpool collapse when Crystal Palace blocked the transfer.

“Obviously, Marc is a top player and very close to move to Liverpool as well,” Burn said. “Right at this moment, I’d probably agree that he is the direct competition [for an England place].”

Praise for Elliot Anderson

Burn too spoke warmly about Elliot Anderson, another player he once shared a dressing room with at Newcastle. Anderson left for Nottingham Forest in 2024 and has since forced his way into the England setup, with a senior international debut likely to come at Villa Park this weekend.

“Elliot is a top player, we were really gutted to lose him from Newcastle,” Burn explained. “He is always wanting the ball and so calm when he gets it… I know he had a great Euros in the summer and he’s a great lad on top of that.”

Will Dan Burn start for England against Andorra?

With John Stones sent back to Manchester City through injury, Burn could be in line to start at Villa Park on Saturday.

England boss Thomas Tuchel may choose to rotate and save his strongest XI for Tuesday’s tough trip to Serbia, but Burn and Guehi appear the most likely centre-back pairing.

Burn insists he is ready: “On a personal level, I am probably playing the best football of my career. I feel in a really good place physically and mentally, where I am up for the challenge.”