Dan Burn speaks on Alexander Isak’s future

Dan Burn Breaks Silence on Isak Saga: “We Want to Keep Our Best Players”

Newcastle United’s vice-captain, Dan Burn, has addressed the bombshell reports surrounding Alexander Isak’s future, admitting the squad would be “upset” to lose any player, but stressing the team’s focus on what they can control amidst the swirling transfer speculation.

The Swedish striker’s absence from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia, initially attributed to a minor thigh injury, was quickly followed by reports that Isak had informed the club he wishes to explore other transfer opportunities. This development has sent shockwaves through Tyneside, with Premier League giants Liverpool heavily linked with a potential British record bid.

Speaking from Singapore, where Newcastle are currently on tour, Burn offered a measured response when pressed on the Isak situation. “If we lost any player it would upset a tight-knit group that’s been together for two or three years now,” Burn told Sky Sports News. “Obviously any player that leaves, it doesn’t help, but from our point of view, we just have to control what we can control.”

The defender remained tight-lipped on the specifics of Isak’s intentions, deferring to the player himself. “That’s a question for Alex to answer,” he stated. “He’s obviously a big player for us, but we do have a lot of quality in the squad as well.”

Burn also subtly reinforced the club’s position, reiterating the official line that Isak’s absence from the tour was due to injury. “At the moment we’re looking forward to getting Alex back when he’s fit,” he added, with teammate Bruno Guimarães also confirming Isak was “in treatment in Newcastle.”

While the club maintains a firm stance, with manager Eddie Howe expressing confidence that Isak will remain a Newcastle player, the comments from Burn and Guimarães highlight the underlying tension within the squad. The uncertainty surrounding a key player like Isak, who bagged 23 goals last season, is undoubtedly a distraction as Newcastle prepare for a challenging season that includes Champions League football.

The coming weeks will be crucial for Newcastle as they navigate this delicate situation. The Magpies are reportedly seeking a figure around £150 million for their star striker, a valuation that would limit potential suitors to only a handful of elite clubs. However, with Isak seemingly keen to explore his options, and Liverpool reportedly lurking, the club faces a significant test of its resolve to keep its “best players” on Tyneside.