Alan Shearer pushed Alexander Isak to commit future future to Newcastle United in a telling moment just months before his controversial exit.
Newcastle United supporters should have prepared for a gruelling summer from the moment Alexander Isak disrespected Alan Shearer.
In what seemed like an innocuous, media-trained answer at the time, the Swede deflected a question regarding a Newcastle contract extension. The comment came just days after Erling Haaland signed a mammoth nine-year deal at Manchester City.
On a cold January morning at the club’s Benton base, Shearer enjoyed a sit-down chat with Isak - at the time his modern-day counterpart. Just as Shearer has done so since 1996, Isak enjoyed god-like status on Tyneside.
That adulation has shifted to bitterness and resentment, with the 25-year-old now public enemy No.1 at St James’ Park. It was all completely avoidable, with Isak showing no value towards the affection he received.
With just eight words, Newcastle fans were given all the clues needed to question where Isak’s true loyalties lie. Shearer - as big a Toon fan as anyone - tried to bait the striker into a new penning extension.
Alan Shearer x Alexander Isak’s awkward exchange
"We've seen recent big-name centre-forwards sign long contracts..." Shearer began. This provoked an awkward “yeah” from Isak, with tumbleweed spinning in the background.
When the Toon icon followed up with “you know what’s coming next”, Isak said: “Yeah we’ll see, obviously you never know” - an outright refusal to commit his future. Reports have since emerged suggesting the player was considering his next move as early as summer 2024.
Alan Shearer slams Alexander Isak
Toon icon Shearer has since slammed Isak’s actions, believing they set a dangerous precedent for transfers going forward. He told The Rest Is Football podcast: “Unfortunately, I think because of what’s happened with Isak and what’s happened with Wissa, then you will see more (players refusing to play).
“I don’t like it, I don’t think any fan likes it, and I can’t say because of the Isak situation. I also have to mention the Wissa situation and him going to Newcastle, I don’t like what the players have done.
“It’s not a good look for football, but unfortunately, I think because of those two, getting their moves, particularly the Isak one, because that’s been more high profile than anything I can ever remember, then players will look at that and think if he or they did it, then I can do it.”
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Alexander Isak to Newcastle United supporters
In a social media message viewed as too little, too late by Newcastle fans, Isak wrote: “I want to express my gratitude to my team-mates, the staff, and above all, the city of Newcastle and all the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together.
“Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs. It has been an honour to be part of the journey, from reaching the Champions League to winning the first trophy in over 70 years. Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle."
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