Burn happy Isak transfer saga is over

Alexander Isak scored 27 goals for Newcastle in all competitions in 2024-25

Newcastle defender Dan Burn says he is happy the transfer saga involving former team-mate Alexander Isak is over.

Sweden striker Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle on deadline day for a British record £125m.

The move followed weeks of uncertainty and a dispute between Isak and Newcastle, with the 25-year-old wanting to leave but the club refusing to sell him.

Speaking to the media before England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday, Burn said he has "no animosity" towards Isak.

"We wanted the transfer window to close to have a bit of clarity on it," said Burn.

"Alex is a mate so it's a tough situation. You want him around to help the team but also for him he has things to do personally, so I have nothing but good wishes."

Burn acknowledged that the saga did cast a shadow over Newcastle's preparations for the 2025-26 season,

"It was frustrating coming into it, knowing that there was something hanging over us, but I have been in football long enough to understand how it works," Burn added on BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Football is a short career and people have got ambitions and things they want to achieve. I am just happy it's over now."

Isak joined Newcastle in a £60m move from Real Sociedad in 2022 and scored 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions last season.

He helped the Magpies win the Carabao Cup in March before starring as they finished fifth in the Premier League to secure Champions League qualification.

But amid interest from Premier League champions Liverpool this summer, he released a statement in which he said promises had been "broken" by Newcastle, adding their relationship couldn't continue.

The Magpies denied giving Isak assurances he could leave the club but after signing fellow strikers Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa late in the window, accepted Liverpool's record-breaking offer.

After leaving Newcastle, Isak said he was "forever grateful" to the club.

Burn, 33, who has made 152 Premier League appearances for the Magpies, says he understands the fans' frustration at how the saga unfolded.

"As a Newcastle fan, you know what Newcastle fans are like – we're very protective of our club – you want players to be there who want to play for Newcastle," he added.

"But I've been in the game long enough now to understand what goes on and I wish Alex all the best... apart from when we play Liverpool, obviously!"

Burn praised the club's transfer business during the summer and was optimistic for the rest of the campaign.

"I think we have recruited really well. I think if you look at our transfer window in general, we have got good depth in every position now," he told 5 Live.

"The club and the board have invested heavily, and it could be a really positive season."