Former Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has criticized Liverpool’s record-breaking signing Alexander Isak for his move to the Merseyside. Kroos’ comments have come several days after the Swede finally secured his dream move to the reigning Premier League champions, following months of drama and anticipation.
Alexander Isak became subject to online trolling and abuse, not only from the Newcastle United fans but also from various football pundits around the world. Isak was called selfish and unprofessional for going on strike against Newcastle, who did everything to block his move to the Reds but failed ultimately.
The Swedish striker’s €130 million move to Liverpool is still a topic of discussion in the football world, and it seems he can’t stop catching strays. 5-time UEFA Champions league winner with Real Madrid Toni Kroos, who retired from professional football a couple of years ago, has become the latest to throw a shade towards Alexander Isak.
During a recent appearance on a podcast that he co-hosts, Toni Kroos indirectly said that Alexander Isak was unable to resist himself from going to Liverpool as there was a lot of money involved. “Yes. It’s a lot of money, without a doubt.” – Kroos said via Mundo Deportivo.
The former German international followed up by taking another major dig at Alexander Isak, claiming that half of the people around the world have not even heard of the Swede. And that they should judge the transfer by themselves.
“I trust our listeners, but I’d say that roughly half of them have never even heard of Isak. Judge for yourselves. Seriously.” – Toni Kroos admitted.
To a lot of extent, Kroos’ statement doesn’t really make any sense as Alexander Isak has become a household name in the English Premier League. He is a proven No. 9 and that’s why Arne Slot was so adamant to include him in the Liverpool squad to defend the league title, which they won last season very comfortably.
Liverpool fans remind Toni Kroos how Alexander Isak had destroyed Real Madrid in 2020 Copa Del Rey tie
Toni Kroos’ comments did not go down well with the Liverpool fans, who had to remind the former midfielder that Isak once destroyed his Real Madrid in a Copa Del Rey quarter-final back in 2020.
Before his move to Newcastle United in 2022, Alexander Isak was among the key players for La Liga outfit Real Sociedad. During the 2019/2020 season, Sociedad were drawn to face Real Madrid in the last 8 round of Copa Del Rey.
Alexander Isak had started the game while Kroos also started for the Los Blancos. It was a proper goal fest as 7 goals were scored in the match with Sociedad qualifying for the semi-finals with a 4-3 victory and who was the top scorer? It was Isak, who netted two brilliant goals and had a rating of 9.3.
Fans on social media reminded Kroos about this match and asked him if he now knows who Isak is.
Jog your memory? @ToniKroos https://t.co/hZqjpfDpit pic.twitter.com/a8g6oemYTx
— Shamone (@jr1of1) September 4, 2025
Below this post, fans hurdled in support of Isak with one claiming – “This was Isak against Real Madrid It’s quite fascinating how players get hated once they sign for Liverpool.” “@ToniKroos hope this helps the half that have not heard of Isak.”
Another fan then targeted Kroos and said that he was lucky to have Luka Modric by his side. “Modric is the best thing to happen to his career.”
It will be interesting to see how Toni Kroos reacts to these comments, if and when he sees them. But was he right to make those claims? And do people really not know Alexander Isak?
