Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman have shown their support to Alexander Isak following his move from Newcastle United to Liverpool.
Isak joined Liverpool on transfer deadline day, becoming the most expensive player in British football history at £125million.
It was a highly controversial move, with the 25-year-old’s reputation at St James’ Park completely ruined.
Amid the anger from fans, Sven Botman sent a good luck message to Isak on Instagram. He was the first Newcastle United player to publicly send a message to Liverpool’s new number nine.
Afterwards, Anthony Gordon posted about Isak on social media. The 24-year-old admitted it was a pleasure to play alongside Isak, wishing him ‘nothing but the best’ at Anfield.
Their messages to Isak have not gone down well with a portion of the Newcastle United fanbase, and Simon Jordan has given his verdict on why they decided to speak out.
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Speaking on TalkSPORT on Wednesday morning, Jordan has given his verdict on the messages of support for Isak alongside Jim White and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.
“I think it’s a social media age,” he said.
“I think people can’t help but either virtue signal or show how wonderful they are and how much they support their colleague for whatever reason.
“He knows they support him. Pick up the phone and go ‘I really support you mate, good luck with your career’.
“Why do it on social media? Because we are of the age.”
Jordan went on to say: “They think he’s justified to do what he did, probably.”
Danny Murphy added: “Maybe they’re both strong characters and they think they’ll back their mate to take…”
Jordan interjected: “Possibly, or maybe they think he’s done nothing wrong. They think all of the hysteria outside the football club does not reflect the reality of what they know behind the scenes, which is often the case.”
Newcastle United must be unified despite Alexander Isak split
The way Isak has left Newcastle is incredibly disappointing, burning all of his bridges on Tyneside after earning legendary status.
But he has still been an important part of the Newcastle United squad for the past three years. He has worked incredibly hard alongside the likes of Botman and Gordon, building brilliant bonds along the way.
Those bonds are not going to simply disappear.
While some players will continue to support Isak, others won’t. It was reported that one Newcastle player had to be calmed down after hearing about Isak’s conduct, such was his anger at the situation.
That is perfectly acceptable too, but the most important thing is that the players still at St James’ Park unite in the aftermath of Isak’s departure.
Despite not winning any of their games so far, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have looked united. Performances have been strong, albeit hindered by Isak’s refusal to play.
The hope is that the tide will turn after the international break, with Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa now leading the attack.