Emil Krafth defends Alexander Isak after £125m Liverpool move, rejects reports of Newcastle dressing-room split

Emil Krafth has defended Alexander Isak and dismissed reports of a rift in Newcastle United's dressing room after the striker completed a £125 million move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day.

Krafth, who played with Isak at Newcastle and is his team-mate for Sweden, said the atmosphere at St James' Park remained "very chill" despite media suggestion of division following the controversial transfer saga in which Isak went on strike. "There were many who wanted to see Alex stay, but you understand how football works," Krafth told Sportbladet. "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."

Isak's move to Liverpool concluded a lengthy negotiation at the end of the transfer window. He joined Newcastle in 2022 and made 109 appearances for the club, scoring 62 goals and providing 11 assists. He also scored in Newcastle's Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool, helping the club win its first major trophy in more than 70 years.

Following his departure, Isak released a message to Newcastle supporters in which he expressed gratitude to teammates, staff and the city. "Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs," he wrote. "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. Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle."

Krafth said members of the Newcastle squad understood both Isak's and the club's positions and that players were offering their best wishes. He referenced fellow Sweden international Anthony Elanga, adding: "As Anthony said, it has been very chill. No one has said or done anything. It is just taken out of thin air." Krafth reiterated that teammates viewed the situation in the context of football careers and transfer markets.

Isak was an unused substitute as Sweden drew 2-2 away to Slovenia in a World Cup qualifier on Friday. He remains part of Sweden's squad and will be available for the upcoming match against Kosovo.

Newcastle manager and club officials have not publicly detailed internal reactions to the sale beyond confirming the transfer. The club faces the immediate task of replacing the goals and influence Isak provided, while supporters and analysts assess the financial and sporting consequences of selling a leading forward for a large fee.

Liverpool have brought Isak to Anfield with expectations he will add firepower to their attack. Isak's decision to seek the move and the methods used to secure it — including the strike reported during negotiations — drew significant media scrutiny and commentary from supporters. Krafth's public defence aims to counter narratives that the player's departure fractured the Newcastle squad, presenting a picture of professionalism and unity among players who remain at the club and those on international duty together.

Krafth and Isak continue to serve Sweden while the domestic season and transfer repercussions unfold. The coming weeks will show how both Newcastle and Liverpool adapt tactically and how Isak integrates into his new club.