Newcastle United captain Dan Burn says a 'lot of things happened' with the manner of Alexander Isak's departure and insists the fans 'don't need motivating' ahead of his return to St James' Park. Isak is expected to receive a hostile reception when Liverpool face Newcastle in the opening match of the 2026/27 Premier League season on Sunday.
Isak's exit and first return
Isak effectively went on strike last summer before leaving the Magpies to join Liverpool for a British record £125million transfer fee. The manner of his exit went down horrendously with Newcastle fans.
United had already played Liverpool at home last season before he completed his move on transfer deadline day, meaning Sunday represents the Swedish international's first time returning to his former club, almost a year on.
Burn's warning to teammates
Burn says it would be foolish for Newcastle just to concentrate on Isak and not the many other threats Andoni Iraola's side pose.
"I think there's obviously a lot of things happened with the Alex transfer and I think the fans don't need motivating for that," Burn told reporters after last weekend's draw with Strasbourg. "But I think if you're only concentrating on Alex we're making a mistake. I think Liverpool are a very good team, a team that we've not managed to beat in the league yet. That we want to change."
"But it's a very exciting game at the start of the season, as I said, they're always the best games against Liverpool at home, so, yeah, I'm looking forward to it."
Jaissle's view on the occasion
Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle was also asked about the impact Isak's return could have on the crowd on Sunday. "I like him a lot, he is pure quality as a player," he replied. "I don't know him as a human being but our lads will just focus on themselves, this is the most important thing. I think our fans will focus on our lads, engaging with them, supporting them, that will be the most important thing."
