Steven Gerrard says Newcastle United are his second team in the Premier League
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has revealed something about Newcastle United that could surprise Reds fans. Speaking to TNT Sports, Gerrard covered various subjects, looking back on his most cherished moments at Anfield and the most challenging adversaries he encountered there.
During a visit to the away dressing room at Anfield, he revealed that Newcastle are his second favourite Premier League club. It's a revelation that might astonish the Reds' support, particularly following last summer's transfer drama concerning Alexander Isak.
"I'm surprised I'm welcome in here, to be honest," the former captain joked. "It's quite fitting actually because outside of Liverpool, if I wanted anyone to win the league, it would be Newcastle. They're my number two team in the Premier League. I've never, ever said that [before], but there you go. That's live for you."
Gerrard's remarks could upset some Reds fans after the transfer dispute between Liverpool and Newcastle last summer. Speculation surrounding Isak's future intensified towards the conclusion of last season, and he eventually sought a transfer to the Premier League champions.
The situation was far from simple and rapidly became acrimonious. Isak was originally excluded from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, while Liverpool's £110 million offer was turned down shortly afterwards.
The Swedish striker had notified the club of his desire to leave, resulting in him training alone and missing Newcastle's league opener against Aston Villa. He subsequently issued a shocking statement, asserting that 'promises have been broken' and 'trust has been lost' between himself and the club.
Newcastle were left with little choice but to sanction his exit and began investigating the conditions of a potential sale, specifically securing two replacements and an agreeable fee, with Liverpool engaged in active discussions.
After months of conjecture and protracted negotiations, Isak finalised a record-shattering £125m transfer to Liverpool on transfer deadline day (September 2), becoming the most expensive signing in Anfield's history.
However, the club are still waiting to see the player for whom they paid a substantial sum, as the Swede has been plagued by injuries since landing on Merseyside.
The 26-year-old suffered a tibia fracture in December following a tackle from Tottenham's Micky van de Ven, requiring surgery for an ankle injury that also involved a fibula fracture.
Taking to Instagram at the time, Isak expressed: "Gutted to be out for a whilst. Time to recover and support from the sideline. I will work hard to be back as soon as I possibly can.
"Thank you all reds and everyone else for the kind messages, it does not go unnoticed."
He may be nearing his comeback, having been seen training individually before their Champions League second-leg clash with Galatasaray, where Arne Slot's team finds itself trailing 1-0.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
