Alexander Isak's teammate says 'claims are not true' as he speaks out on Liverpool move

Emile Krafth has dismissed claims that Alexander Isak's departure from Newcastle this summer caused a rift within the Magpies squad. Some reports suggested Isak's contentious switch to Liverpool divided the Newcastle dressing room, and some players sympathised with Isak's position while others felt betrayed by his decision.

Following confirmation of his Anfield move, numerous team-mates demonstrated their lack of ill-feeling towards Isak through supportive messages, including Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman, and Anthony Elanga. But skipper Bruno Guimaraes appeared to hint at his disappointment with Isak's behaviour when he disclosed last month that the duo hadn't communicated or met for several weeks. Despite this, Krafth, who joined Newcastle in 2019 and also represents Sweden alongside Isak, insisted the atmosphere remained "very chill."

"There were many who wanted to see Alex stay, but you understand how football works," the defender told Swedish publication Sportbladet (via Liverpool.com). "I wish him all the best in the future. 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. Football players understand football players, and we can only wish him the best of luck.

"As Anthony [Elanga] said, it has been very chill. No one has said or done anything. It is just taken out of thin air. You understand his and the club's situation. Of course, they would have wanted to keep him, he is an incredibly good football player."

Isak effectively downed tools to engineer a switch to Liverpool, which saw him banished from first-team training. Despite the circumstances, Krafth revealed he maintained regular contact with the 25-year-old throughout the summer.

"We were in contact often and spoke on the phone," he continued. "We also met. It's clear that there were tough times for him but he's also strong mentally. It's clear that it was hard for him, but he got through it.

"In some ways it's nice that this merry-go-round is over so that he can focus on his own and the club can focus and move forward. It's not easy that way. But you have to try not to read too much into it. You understand both sides.

"The fans' frustration and that you want to keep your best player. And you understand Alex, that he might want to take the next step."