Emil Krafth has jumped to the defence of Alexander Isak following the striker’s controversial move from Newcastle to Liverpool.
Isak secured a £125million switch to Anfield on transfer deadline day following a lengthy transfer saga in which he went on strike.
Krafth, who played with Isak at Newcastle and is also team-mates with him for Sweden, stressed that the atmosphere in the Magpies’ dressing room has been ‘very chill’.
Krafth told Sportbladet: ‘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.
Emil Krafth has defended Alexander Isak after the striker’s move from Newcastle to Liverpool
Krafth (second right) says the Newcastle dressing room isn’t divided after Isak’s departure
‘You understand his and the club’s situation. Of course, they would have wanted to keep him, he is an incredibly good football player.’
After joining Newcastle in 2022, Isak went on to make 109 appearances for the club and scored 62 goals, while he provided eleven assists.
Isak also helped Newcastle to end their lengthy wait for a trophy as he scored in the Carabao Cup final victory against Liverpool.
Now, though, the 25-year-old is a Liverpool player and he will be determined to prove that he was correct to make the switch to Anfield.
Isak was an unused substitute as Sweden drew 2-2 away to Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.
The striker will be hoping to feature when Sweden face Kosovo away on Monday.
After leaving Newcastle, Isak wrote: ‘I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the staff, and above all, the city of Newcastle and all the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together.
‘Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs. It has been an honour to be part of the journey from reaching the Champions League to winning the first trophy in over 70 years.
Krafth and Isak are also international team-mates and are both in the current Sweden squad
‘Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle.’
