Newcastle vs Liverpool: “Rat, rat, rat,” Magpies fans chant at Isak! (Video)

23.08.26 FT English Premier League

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Back at St James’ Park in Liverpool colors, Alexander Isak was loudly booed by fans who haven’t forgotten a thing.

The reunion was expected to be electric, and it lived up to the hype from the moment the player arrived. Starting for Liverpool against Newcastle, Alexander Isak was greeted by a thunderous chorus of whistles at St James’ Park. Several Magpies supporters also chanted “Rat, rat, rat” as the Swedish striker made his entrance, one year after his particularly acrimonious departure.

A transfer secured after a long standoff

During the summer of 2025, Isak made it clear he wanted to leave Newcastle for the Reds. An initial offer of £110 million was turned down. The centre-forward then trained separately, missed pre-season as well as the PFA awards ceremony, and publicly denounced “broken promises.”

After several weeks of tension, Newcastle finally accepted a fixed offer of £125 million, or about €145 million. The deal, completed on the final day of the transfer window, was the most expensive transfer in British football history at the time. Isak signed a six-year contract with Liverpool. His return as a starter in the Premier League has reopened the deep wounds left by that saga.

Read also: Newcastle - Liverpool: the official line-ups are in!

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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