Newcastle's Dan Burn 'just happy' Alexander Isak transfer saga is over

Isak joined Premier League champions Liverpool on deadline day for a British-record 125 million pound fee, ending weeks of speculation, internal disputes, and frustration within the Newcastle camp. The 25-year-old Swede had effectively withdrawn from first-team activities to force the move, a decision that drew criticism from some fans but sympathy from his teammates.

Speaking ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Andorra, Burn acknowledged the complexity of the situation.

"I've been in football long enough to understand that careers are short and players have ambitions," Burn said. "So for me, I'm just happy it's over. Alex is a mate, so it was a tough situation. You want him around to help the team, but I also understand what he needed to do personally. I've got nothing but good wishes for him."

Isak joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for 60 million pounds and quickly became a fan favorite, scoring 27 goals in 42 appearances last season. He played a pivotal role in helping the Magpies win the Carabao Cup and qualify for the Champions League with a fifth-place finish in the Premier League.

However, things soured when Isak claimed in a public statement that promises had been "broken" by the club, adding that the relationship had become untenable. Newcastle denied making any assurances about a future transfer but ultimately accepted Liverpool's offer after bolstering their attack with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.

Burn, a lifelong Newcastle fan who has made over 150 appearances for the club, said he understands the supporters' frustration.

"As a Newcastle fan, and you know what Newcastle fans are like - we're very protective of our club and our city," Burn said. "You want players who are proud to play for Newcastle, and naively, you don't want them to think there's anywhere else better.

"But I've been in the game long enough to know how things work. Football is a short career. People have dreams, and sometimes those dreams lead them elsewhere."