Newcastle United star ‘recommended’ to Liverpool - 12 months before exciting transfer

Former Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique has revealed he wanted Liverpool to make a move for Alexander Isak last season.

The Sweden international joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in a club record £58million deal last week and wasted little time in making an impact for Eddie Howe’s side.

After his debut was initially delayed by work permit issues, Isak made his first appearance in Wednesday night’s agonising defeat at Liverpool.

The former Borussia Dortmund frontman put in an impressive display and grabbed his first goal for the club with a finish seven minutes before half-time.

Isak looked to have doubled his tally and United’s lead during the second-half but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.

An eye-catching debut came to a close midway through the second-half when Isak was replaced by Chris Wood and he could only watch on a Roberto Firmino equaliser and a 98th minute winner from Fabio Carvalho gave the hosts all three points.

Former Magpies left-back Enrique - who supported Liverpool at Anfield on Wednesday - has confirmed things could have been different for Isak had the Reds taken up his recommendation of making a move for his services last season.

Speaking to Boyle Sports, Enrique revealed he recommended Isak to Liverpool last season.

He said: “It’s a crazy fee but all the fees are crazy right now. Chelsea tried to sign Anthony Gordon for £60m and he’s done nothing so far in his career.

“It’s crazy at the moment and that’s why I don’t criticise the big transfer fees right now.

“Isak is a player I really like and I recommended him to Liverpool last year. He suits the profile of what Newcastle need right now.

“Callum Wilson can get you many goals but he’s very prone to injury and that’s why they needed another one to help him.”

Should he recover from the dead leg that cut short his debut, Isak will hope to make his St James Park bow when Crystal Palace head to Tyneside on Saturday.