Alexander Isak sent farewell WhatsApp to Newcastle team-mates after £125m Liverpool move, Dan Burn reveals

New Liverpool signing Alexander Isak sent a final WhatsApp message to his Newcastle United team-mates thanking them before completing a British-record £125 million move to Liverpool, defender Dan Burn has revealed.

Isak finalised the deadline-day transfer after a protracted departure from St James’ Park that included a strike to force the move. Burn said the striker posted a brief farewell in the squad chat and that players responded before turning their attention to the remainder of Newcastle’s squad.

"He put a message in the chat just saying that he was leaving, and thanks for the memories," Burn said. "All that sort of stuff, and the lads replied. But as I said, I think Alex is getting what he wants, and now we've just got to focus and do what we can with the players that we've got." Burn also said he holds no animosity towards Isak following the transfer.

Liverpool confirmed the signing on deadline day amid one of the club’s busiest transfer windows. In a season-opening transfer review, Liverpool Confidential said the club made eight signings and spent about £446 million in the window. The same Q&A column addressed questions about when Isak might make his debut and how his preparation — or lack of a full pre-season — could affect his immediate availability.

The column noted that the day of Isak’s signing marked 100 days since his last competitive match, the final game of the season for Newcastle, and said Isak had missed one international camp and had been training alone at times. On the prospect of a quick return to action, Liverpool Confidential wrote: "In the short term, it may affect him a lot – but we will see how he gets on in the Sweden national team camp this week with games against Slovenia and Kosovo."

That Sweden camp could provide the first indication of Isak’s match fitness after an extended period without competitive minutes. Liverpool’s coaching staff will be monitoring his condition closely before deciding on any club debut, and the Q&A piece suggested the player’s integration will depend on his performances and fitness in international fixtures.

Isak’s exit leaves Newcastle with the task of reshaping their attacking options after losing a long-term forward. Burn suggested the episode had galvanised the squad rather than creating lasting discord, saying the team must "focus and do what we can with the players that we've got." Newcastle’s immediate priorities will include adjusting tactics and personnel to compensate for the departure.

Liverpool’s summer transfer spending has reset expectations at Anfield and raised questions about squad balance and short-term readiness, particularly for players arriving without a full pre-season. The club’s recruitment strategy and the fitness management of new arrivals will be scrutinised as the season progresses.

Both clubs now move on from a high-profile saga. Liverpool will look to integrate Isak and the other new signings, while Newcastle must adapt to life without a player who had been central to their attacking plans. Further clarity on Isak’s availability is expected after his scheduled appearances with Sweden, which will offer the most immediate test of his readiness to contribute at club level.