'Not true' - Alexander Isak's ex-Newcastle team-mate sheds light on dressing room reaction to striker's dramatic £125m Liverpool transfer after summer-long saga

Sweden international Isak spent much of the summer window being linked with a record-breaking move to Anfield. That deal was finally completed on deadline day, with the prolific striker becoming the most expensive player in British football.

Questions have been asked of how he set about completing that switch, with Isak going on strike at one stage as he stayed away from pre-season training. That led to reports of some Magpies players taking issue with their team-mate. Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and Anthony Elanga did, however, pass on well wishes after a £125 million ($169m) move went through.

Krafth insists the Newcastle camp remains “very chill”, telling Sportbladet when asked about supposed divisions in Eddie Howe’s squad: “There were many who wanted to see Alex stay, but you understand how football works. I wish him all the best in the future. For me, Alex is not just a footballer, but a close friend too.

“The media wrote that the locker room would be divided. That is certainly not true. Football players understand football players, and we can only wish him the best of luck. As Anthony [Elanga] said, it has been very chill. No one has said or done anything. It is just taken out of thin air.

“You understand his and the club's situation. Of course, they would have wanted to keep him, he is an incredibly good football player.”

Isak claimed that “promises were broken” by Newcastle as he pushed for an exit, with Krafth adding on the unfortunate saga that his international colleague found himself caught up in: “We were in contact often and spoke on the phone. We also met. It's clear that there were tough times for him but he's also strong mentally. It's clear that it was hard for him, but he got through it.

“In some ways it's nice that this merry-go-round is over so that he can focus on his own and the club can focus and move forward. It's not easy that way. But you have to try not to read too much into it. You understand both sides.

“The fans' frustration and that you want to keep your best player. And you understand Alex, that he might want to take the next step.”

Isak could make his Liverpool bow when the reigning Premier League champions return to action on Sunday away at Burnley. Newcastle, meanwhile, are preparing for a home date with Wolves immediately after the international break having gone winless through their opening three games of the 2025-26 campaign.