Rafa Benitez has shared what people at Newcastle United have said about Alexander Isak following his high-profile transfer to Liverpool.
Isak moved from Newcastle to Liverpool for a British-record fee of £125 million.
The transfer was a lengthy and complex process, with Liverpool finally securing the forward on deadline day. Isak was left out of Arne Slot’s squad for their Premier League match against Burnley but started in their Champions League game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
After his debut, Liverpool fans quickly voiced their opinions about Isak on social media.
Before the match, former Liverpool and Newcastle manager Benitez appeared on the TNT Sports panel and discussed his former club’s signing of the 25-year-old.
Speaking to host Laura Woods and pundits Michael Owen and Steve McManaman, the 65-year-old revealed a ‘secret.’
After talking to people at Newcastle, Benitez disclosed that they are ‘missing’ Isak.
“I’ll tell you a secret, speaking to people at Newcastle… They are missing him [Isak],” he told the TNT Sports panel.
Isak’s departure was a significant loss for Eddie Howe, the club, and fans, given his impressive record at St. James’ Park.
He spent three seasons with the Magpies, scoring 62 goals in 109 games across all competitions.
During his time there, Isak also helped Newcastle win the Carabao Cup.
Ahead of their Champions League opener, Slot explained why Isak was omitted from the squad against Burnley on Sunday.
“This was the plan all along. That’s why he wasn’t involved in the Burnley game—to allow him proper training sessions while with us,” Slot said.
“That’s necessary in pre-season too. You don’t start by playing friendlies; you begin with a focused training week and then gradually increase playing time. That’s what we’re expecting from him today.”
Isak is likely to make his first league appearance for Liverpool when they face their city rivals Everton on Saturday.
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