Newcastle meal named in honour of Alexander Isak – fans still bitter over his switch to Liverpool

A Newcastle restaurant, Scott&Wilson, has stirred controversy by naming one of its burgers the “Swedish Rat”. The dish, built with a mashed potato patty, pickles, onions, mustard, cranberry sauce, and IKEA meatballs, is a not-so-subtle dig at former Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

The menu item plays on the saga that unfolded over the summer transfer window. Isak, determined to leave the Magpies for Liverpool, skipped preseason training in protest, forcing through a record £130 million move after weeks of stalled negotiations.

Isak had joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022 for €70 million, quickly becoming their star man. He scored 27 goals and registered 6 assists in 42 appearances last season. His acrimonious departure left many supporters bitter, feeling betrayed by the manner of his exit.

Despite the mocking gesture, the burger has surprisingly become the second most popular item on Scott&Wilson’s menu. Restaurant owner Kelvin Hass explained: “Sweden isn’t really known for its food, so we thought of what people associate it with most – IKEA.”

Liverpool, still unbeaten in the Premier League, will travel to Burnley for their next game, which could also see Isak make his long-awaited debut for his new club.