The long and emotional Alexander Isak transfer story may finally be settled, and according to a familiar face, Newcastle United have come out on top. While the move itself was messy and dragged on longer than anyone at St James’ Park would have liked, the end result appears to favour Eddie Howe and his club rather than Liverpool.
Isak completed a British record transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool during the summer after a difficult period that saw him effectively push for an exit. It was a saga that dominated headlines, unsettled supporters, and disrupted Newcastle’s preparations.
Yet, despite all the noise, former Magpies goalkeeper Tim Krul believes Newcastle have ultimately “won” the entire situation.
From Liverpool’s point of view, the early signs have been frustrating. Isak has struggled to make an immediate impact at Anfield, scoring just once across the Premier League and Champions League since his move.
Expectations were sky-high given the fee involved and his reputation as one of the most dangerous forwards in English football, but the goals have not flowed. In contrast, Newcastle moved quickly to replace him with Nick Woltemade, and the German forward has already scored seven goals in all competitions, giving fans plenty to smile about.
Krul, speaking openly about the situation, made it clear that while Isak remains a top-class player, the way the summer unfolded worked far better for Newcastle in the long run. He acknowledged that settling into a new club takes time, especially for a player who did not enjoy a full pre-season.
Training alone and away from the squad, as Isak did during the standoff, can leave any player short of sharpness, particularly when stepping into a demanding environment like Liverpool.
Even so, Krul believes that Newcastle handled the outcome well. They received a huge fee for a player who no longer wanted to be there, reinvested that money into a new striker, and avoided being held hostage by a prolonged situation. From that perspective, it is hard to argue against his conclusion that Newcastle came out as the winners.
That said, Krul also pointed out that Eddie Howe would likely have preferred the issue to be resolved much earlier. The delay in finalising Isak’s departure meant Newcastle’s recruitment plans were slowed, and Woltemade arrived later than ideal.
That knock-on effect may have contributed to Newcastle’s slightly sluggish start to the season as the team took time to adjust to a new focal point in attack.
Still, football rarely unfolds perfectly. Krul was keen to stress that there is always more going on behind the scenes than supporters ever get to see.
Contract talks, personal feelings, pressure from agents, and private conversations all shape these situations. In the end, Newcastle managed to secure a massive transfer fee and bring in a striker who looks comfortable, confident, and happy from day one.
Woltemade’s impact has been particularly impressive given the circumstances. Krul admitted he had his doubts at first, mainly because Woltemade is such a different type of striker to Isak.
Where Isak thrived on pace, movement, and finishing on the break, Woltemade offers a more physical presence and a different dynamic to Newcastle’s attack. There was uncertainty about how that would change the way Howe sets his team up, but those concerns have faded quickly.
The most important factor, according to Krul, was Woltemade scoring in his first three home games. That early burst of goals lifted pressure instantly and allowed him to settle without the weight of expectation crushing his confidence.
Krul even drew a comparison to Rasmus Højlund’s early struggles at Manchester United, where a long goal drought only increased scrutiny and tension. Woltemade avoided that trap entirely.
What stands out just as much as the goals is how quickly Woltemade has connected with the Newcastle crowd. Krul noted how clearly the striker feeds off the energy of the supporters, thriving on the noise and passion inside St James’ Park.
That connection matters in Newcastle more than almost anywhere else. Players who embrace it are often rewarded with loyalty and patience, and Woltemade appears to have bought into the culture straight away.
There is also a sense that the dressing room has fully accepted him. Krul highlighted how teammates have rallied around Woltemade, which has helped him settle both on and off the pitch. That unity is vital for a club that prides itself on togetherness and collective effort.
While Krul openly admitted he was unsure about the signing at first, he now sees it as one that has worked out brilliantly. Newcastle may have missed out on other targets earlier in the window, but in Woltemade they have found a forward who suits the club, the fans, and the manager’s vision.
As for Isak, Krul remains confident that he will eventually succeed at Liverpool. Talent does not disappear overnight, and once he finds his rhythm, goals will come. But football is about timing, momentum, and fit, and right now those elements appear to be leaning Newcastle’s way.
In the end, Newcastle lost a star player but gained financial power, a hungry replacement, and a sense of control over their future. For a saga that threatened to derail their summer, that feels like a strong outcome.
While Liverpool may yet benefit from Isak in the long term, the early verdict suggests Newcastle have handled the storm better and emerged in a healthier position because of it.
