'Best striker in the world' Isak not focusing on transfer noise, says Elanga
Alexander Isak has drawn interest from Liverpool this transfer window, but Anthony Elanga does not believe it will affect his club-mate.
Anthony Elanga believes Alexander Isak is the "best striker in the world" and has backed his club-mate to block out the noise around his Newcastle United future.
Isak has been the subject of interest from Liverpool, who were reportedly interested in a £120m deal for him, though Newcastle insist he is not for sale.
The Swede was the second-highest scorer in the Premier League last season, with only Mohamed Salah (29) netting more than his 23 goals.
His haul came from 20.4 expected goals (xG) and 99 shots, with 46 of those on target. Isak also converted 18 of his 36 big chances throughout the season.
Elanga recently joined Newcastle from Nottingham Forest for a reported £52m and is relishing the chance to play with his international team-mate at club level.
Though he would not be drawn into speculation over Isak's future, he has no doubt that the 25-year-old will not let it affect his performances.
"I always try and focus on the present and the now, and Alex being the person he is, one of the best attackers in the world. I think there's always going to be noise around him, but he's the type of player who is always staying focused," Elanga told The Athletic.
"What he's shown in training is second to none, and I'm looking forward to continuing training with him.
"There are so many great partnerships [at Newcastle], but it would be great, Alex and me.
"The best striker in the world and someone that, not just as a player, he's an amazing person as well, so I can always rely on him for advice and whatever. He's always going to be there to help me, so I appreciate him a lot."
Only Salah (18) and Newcastle's Jacob Murphy (12) provided more assists than Elanga (11) in the Premier League last term.
It was the most assists by a Forest player in a top-flight campaign since 1994-95, when Bryan Roy managed 11.
"A player of his stature, there's always going to be noise around him," Elanga added.
"He's one of the best players in the world, one of the best attackers in the world. I've played with him at international level, so I can say so.
"There's always going to be noise around him, but at the end of the day, he's a Newcastle United player right now. I'm just trying to focus on what he's doing in training and speaking to him every day."
Newcastle begin the 2025-26 Premier League season away to Aston Villa on August 16.
