Alexander Isak and Rafael Benitez (Photo by Ryan Pierse, Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Former Liverpool and Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is in a good position to provide some inside information on Alexander Isak’s transfer this summer.
The Sweden international ended up moving from St James’ Park to Anfield in a British record transfer deal after some world class displays for Newcastle in recent years.
Liverpool fans will be delighted to have signed such a big name to strengthen their attack, and Benitez has given some insight into how it’s gone down at Newcastle.
The Spaniard had spells in charge of both clubs, and he’s commented that the people he’s spoken to at Newcastle are clearly unhappy that Isak ended up leaving.
Alexander Isak transfer has been a huge blow for Newcastle
Any club would miss a talent like Isak, of course, but it seems there’s real disappointment at NUFC as the 25-year-old had been doing so well and only looked like getting better.
“I will tell you a secret, talking to Newcastle United people, they are missing him,” Benitez told TNT Sports.
“He was doing so well, he was adapting to the style, to the game.
“He is clever with his movements; he can play in the middle or he can go wide. He runs in behind and he can dribble.
“So I think it will be a great signing for Liverpool and a big miss for Newcastle United.”
How Newcastle have replaced Alexander Isak
Newcastle do at least have two new strikers in their squad after bringing in Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa.
These should help Eddie Howe cope with Isak’s departure, even if it’s obviously going to be difficult to directly replace a world class front-man like that.
Isak made his Liverpool debut against Atletico Madrid in this week’s Champions League clash at Anfield, and it will be interesting to see if he can replicate his Newcastle form for Arne Slot’s side.
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