Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman messages may reveal new truth to Alexander Isak controversy
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Credit: Manh Tung - Breaking Media, Imago
Oliver Walton
Wed 3 September 2025 13:17, UK
Danny Murphy and Simon Jordan have questioned whether the reaction of both Anthony Gordon and Sven Botman to Alexander Isak’s departure shows that there was more to his saga at Newcastle than meets the eye.
Alexander Isak‘s potential move away from Newcastle was one that completely dominated the headlines throughout the summer transfer window.
The Swedish striker played no part in the Magpies’ first two Premier League games as he stood firm in his desire to join Liverpool, and he also trained away from his teammates while the saga was ongoing, with Newcastle fans wholly incensed at the situation.
Things looked set to be resolved as the deadline edged ever closer, after Football Insider revealed on Thursday (28 August) that Liverpool were increasingly confident of signing Isak before the window slammed shut.
Isak sealed his move to Liverpool on deadline day (Monday, 1 September) for a British transfer record fee of £125million [BBC], and the reaction to his departure from a number of Magpies players has caused controversy, but may speak to there being more to the saga than is public knowledge.
Credit: Imago
Following the confirmation of Isak’s exit, Newcastle defender Sven Botman took to his Instagram story to share a picture of himself and the striker alongside the message: “What started off as teammates growed in one of my rare best friendships.
No more words needed brother, all the best in your next chapter.”
Magpies winger Gordon also sent a heartfelt message to Isak on Instagram, saying: “Regardless of the situation and what’s gone on.
It’s been a pleasure to play with you…I wish you nothing but the best brother.”
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Both of their messages sparked controversy among Newcastle supporters, with many believing that neither should have posted so publicly after Isak seemingly disrespected the club to force through his Liverpool move, while Jim White can’t understand why they’ve done it.
Credit: Imago
In reaction, pundits Simon Jordan and Danny Murphy offered their opinion on the debate of whether either player should have shared a message to Isak, while speaking live on talkSPORT on Wednesday (3 September, 11:12am), with both sharing the view that their posts could insinuate that there was a lot more to the situation beneath the surface, and that the striker himself may well have been treated badly.
Jordan started off by saying: “They think he is justified to do what he did, probably,” to which Murphy replied: “Maybe they are both strong characters and they think, ‘oh I’ll back my mate so I can take some of the…'”
Former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan cut in: “Possibly.
Or maybe they think that all the hysteria outside of the football club doesn’t reflect the reality of what they know behind the scenes, which is more often the case,” to which Murphy said: “Maybe he has never refused to play.
Eddie Howe has never said that he refused to play.”
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Football Insider verdict
Supporters always want their players to share a similar affection for their club while they are representing them, but that is generally not usually the case unless a player is at his boyhood side.
This is a clear case of fans being, frankly, out of touch with how footballers operate behind the scenes, as it should realistically come as no surprise to see both Botman and Gordon offer Isak their support despite what has gone on.
AppearancesGoalsAssists1096211Isak’s Newcastle career stats
The public nature of both of their statements is obviously what has caused uproar, but both players will have known they were going to face backlash before posting, yet they still went ahead and did just that.
This issue will quickly be forgotten as soon as Botman and Gordon pull on the black and white stripes at St James’ Park, but they will likely have been advised not to show such support to Isak again in the public domain, as they will not want to further damage their respective reputations with the club’s loyal support.