Newcastle United have once again shown their playful side on social media, and this time, Liverpool and former striker Alexander Isak seem to be on the receiving end of the banter.
The club’s Instagram post featuring new fan favourite Nick Woltemade has sparked plenty of speculation among supporters, who believe the Magpies’ media team have fired a clever, subtle dig at their former forward.
Isak’s name has been a sore topic for Newcastle fans ever since his controversial summer departure. Once adored at St James’ Park, the Swedish striker became a villain almost overnight when he forced through a move to Liverpool.
His refusal to train or play for the team in the weeks leading up to the transfer left a bitter taste among supporters who had previously viewed him as one of the club’s brightest stars.
His £130 million transfer to Anfield on deadline day was seen as a betrayal by many who felt he turned his back on the very club that elevated his career.
Since joining Liverpool, Isak’s time in Merseyside has been far from impressive. With just one Carabao Cup goal in eight appearances, he has struggled to find his rhythm in a side still adjusting to life under a new system.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s replacement, Nick Woltemade, has made an instant impact and quickly become a fan favourite. The German forward, signed for a club-record £69 million, has already netted five goals, showcasing both his technical ability and composure in front of goal.
His energy and work rate have earned him admiration from fans who were desperate for someone to fill the void Isak left behind.
The club’s Instagram post following the 2-1 victory over Fulham has now caught everyone’s attention. The image showed Woltemade celebrating passionately in front of the crowd, but what fans noticed most wasn’t just his expression it was the message behind him.
On the advertising hoardings, the phrase “invested in better” appeared clearly in the background, a slogan associated with Newcastle’s ownership group, PIF. For many fans, this seemed like more than just a coincidence.
Supporters were quick to pick up on the possible hidden message, interpreting it as a cheeky reminder that Newcastle have, quite literally, “invested in better” since selling Isak.
Whether intentional or not, the photo sparked laughter and pride among Magpies fans, who have fully embraced Woltemade as the club’s new cult hero. Social media was soon flooded with comments praising the media team’s wit, as fans joked that the message couldn’t have been placed any better.
Meanwhile, Isak has tried to remain professional when asked about his controversial exit. During international duty with Sweden earlier this month, he was questioned about his fallout with Newcastle and the manner of his departure.
The striker was quick to avoid confrontation, claiming that discussing the issue serves no purpose. “It’s nothing I want to dwell on now,” Isak told ESPN. “It doesn’t benefit anyone, neither me nor Newcastle, so let it be.
I’m working hard to push myself and play my game. Things have been a bit tougher for us at Liverpool, but I believe that as the team improves and things start to flow better, it will also be better for me.”
Despite his calm words, Newcastle fans are unlikely to forgive him any time soon. His exit came at a time when the club was building real momentum, and the manner in which he forced the move left supporters angry and disappointed.
Now, seeing Woltemade thrive in his role has softened the blow for many, and moments like this Instagram post only add to the enjoyment.
Whether the “invested in better” message was intentional or pure coincidence, one thing is certain Newcastle fans are enjoying every second of this new chapter.
With Woltemade shining and Isak struggling to find form at Liverpool, the contrast couldn’t be more satisfying for those on Tyneside. It’s the perfect mix of humour, redemption, and good football everything that makes being a Newcastle fan such a rollercoaster.
