Mark Clattenburg has given his verdict on Newcastle United selling Alexander Isak, as well as his replacements in Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade, exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys.
It was a hectic transfer deadline day for Newcastle United, but whether it was a successful one depends on who you ask.
At the very least, the Alexander Isak fiasco was brought to an end after the striker completed his transfer to Liverpool for £125m.
Thankfully, Newcastle did manage to secure their replacement, with Yoane Wissa finally arriving from Brentford after another transfer saga.
Newcastle have paid a premium £55m for Wissa, but had little choice after being left with record signing Nick Woltemade and William Osula as their only striking options.
Now Newcastle fan and former referee Mark Clattenburg has given his view on the club’s business, exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys.
Alexander Isak signing his Liverpool contract.
Photo by Nikki Dyer – LFC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Mark Clattenburg says Newcastle had to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool
The Isak transfer has split the fan base into two camps.
On one side, fans are relieved the sordid affair is finally over and that the club have bagged a British transfer record for a player who didn’t want to be at St. James’ Park.
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However, other fans believe Newcastle have sent a weak message by compromising on their £150m demand and allowing Isak to leave for less, something they could have done weeks ago instead of leaving everything until deadline day.
Clattenburg falls into the first camp and thinks Newcastle had little choice but to sell Isak.
Speaking exclusively to Geordie Boot Boys, Clattenburg said on Isak’s move: “Newcastle United have had to accept a bid lower than the £150m they were asking for at the start of the transfer window, as it was clear that Alexander Isak was not going to sign a new contract or he was going to play again for the club.
“It’s now good for the club to finally move on from this saga and hope to use the money wisely to reinvest in the squad ahead of an important season.”
Mark Clattenburg has Nick Woltemade concern at Newcastle United
Newcastle have spent heavily to replace Isak, with Wissa costing a pretty sum and Woltemade becoming their record signing for £69m.
However, it’ll be a big task for the pair to replace the 27 goals Isak scored last season, not to mention the world-class forward play he brought to the side.
Clattenburg is happy with the Wissa signing thanks to his Premier League experience, but is concerned that Woltemade is a ‘risk’ as he will be under such intense pressure to deliver after coming from the Bundesliga.
“Wissa is not as much of a risk as Woltemade, as Wissa has had some strong seasons at Brentford in the Premier League and will fit immediately into the team,” he added.
“Woltemade will have a big pressure on his shoulders as the main striker who is brought in to score the goals that have been missing at the start of this season.”
Newcastle fans will get to see the new strike force in action when they return to action against Wolves at St. James’ Park after the international break.