Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Alexander Isak Faces Hostile Newcastle Return With Liverpool
Alexander Isak used to be a popular player at Newcastle United.
He later moved from Newcastle to Liverpool in a transfer reported to be worth £125 million.
Before leaving, he refused to train or play for Newcastle.
He also said Newcastle had not kept promises made to him.
When he returned to Newcastle’s stadium, some fans booed him and called him a “rat.”
Newcastle coach Matthias Jaissle said Isak was still a good footballer but asked fans to support their own team.
Isak’s first season at Liverpool was difficult because he scored four goals in 22 games and suffered an ankle injury.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola believes Isak can improve and play an important role.
Alexander Isak was booed and met with “rat” chants by Newcastle United fans at St James’ Park.
The Liverpool striker returned to Newcastle for the first time since his reported £125 million transfer.
Isak scored 62 goals in 109 appearances during three seasons with Newcastle United.
Isak had refused to train or play for Newcastle and said the club had broken promises to him.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola believes Isak can regain form after scoring four goals in 22 games before an ankle injury.
- Who
- Alexander Isak, Liverpool Football Club, Newcastle United, Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle, and Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.
- What
- Isak received boos and “rat” chants from Newcastle fans during his return to St James’ Park with Liverpool.
- When
- During the Premier League clash described in the article; it was Isak’s first return since his transfer to Liverpool.
- Where
- St James’ Park, Newcastle.
- Why
- The reaction followed Isak’s controversial departure from Newcastle, including his refusal to train or play and his reported £125 million move to Liverpool.
Newcastle Supporters’ View
Isak And Liverpool’s View
Isak’s departure
Newcastle Supporters’ View
Many Newcastle fans remain angry about the way Isak left, particularly his refusal to train or play for the club.
Isak And Liverpool’s View
Isak said Newcastle had broken promises made to him, while Liverpool completed a reported £125 million transfer for the striker.
Focus after the transfer
Newcastle Supporters’ View
The hostile welcome showed that some supporters have not forgotten the disputed transfer and wanted to express their disapproval.
Isak And Liverpool’s View
Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle described Isak as a quality footballer but urged supporters to back Newcastle’s players, while Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola backed Isak’s potential comeback.
- Player
- Alexander Isak
- Former club
- Newcastle United
- Current club
- Liverpool Football Club
- Transfer fee
- Reported £125 million
- Newcastle record
- 62 goals in 109 appearances across all competitions
- Liverpool first season
- Four goals in 22 games before an ankle injury ended his campaign in December
- Return reception
- Boos and chants of “rat” from Newcastle supporters