Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino has fond memories of playing alongside Liverpool target Alexander Isak at both Borussia Dortmund and Real Sociedad
Alexander Isak and Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has spoken highly of former team-mate Alexander Isak
(Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Mikel Merino's comments sum up what the Liverpool dressing room can expect from Alexander Isak if they manage to sign the Newcastle forward. The 25-year-old has had his head turned by the Premier League champions’ interest this summer.
Isak did not travel to Asia for Newcastle’s pre-season tour to Asia before it emerged he had requested to explore a move away from Tyneside. Liverpool have since had a £110million bid rejected for Isak, who is training with former club Real Sociedad, the club he joined Newcastle from for £60m in 2022.
The Reds are currently not intending to make a second bid for Isak. The ECHOunderstands that Liverpool consider it futile to return with an improved offer at present, given the swiftness and clarity of Newcastle’s rejection.
However, with the player angling for a move away from the club, Newcastle are in a tricky situation and could change their stance, especially if they win the race to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, which they have been tipped to do.
If Liverpool do get their man, they should look no further than one of his former team-mates for a ringing endorsement. Arsenal’s Merino played with Isak at both Borussia Dortmund and Sociedad and cannot speak highly enough of the Sweden international, who speaks fluent Spanish, and how he acts as a teammate.
Speaking to CBS in 2021, Merino revealed how popular he was in the dressing room, saying: “I think he’s a great player. I have the luck of being with him in Dortmund as well, we were there together for six months and when he came here to La Real I was really surprised.
Mikel Merino and Alexander Isak at Real Sociedad
Merino and Isak during their time at Real Sociedad together
“I was really happy to see him, and we could talk a lot about our time in Dortmund. Right now he’s a big, big piece for us, he’s doing great he’s adapting really, really good here, everybody loves him in the dressing room.
“I think he speaks Spanish perfect, so that talks very good about him, the way he wants to adapt here, the way he’s so serious about his job and about not only football, but you know being a good teammate, being a professional.”
Following his move to Newcastle a year later, Merino struck a similar tone and knew he would be a success in the Premier League, telling The Athletic: "Alex has already started well. His mindset is very good. He can adapt to whatever you tell him.
"When he came here, he had to adapt to a very specific system of playing where he had a specific role to make an exact movement when the ball was in a certain position.
Eddie Howe at a press conference
Eddie Howe admits Isak's future is out of his hands
"Being from Sweden and being able to adapt showed how smart he is. With his abilities, his speed and strength, the Premier League is a good place for him. He'll be great for the Magpies.”
One word he kept repeating is Isak's ability to adapt, a trait which could stand him in good stead should he make the move to Liverpool this summer.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, meanwhile, has reacted to Liverpool’s bid, which was turned down by the club’s board. He said: “I think from my situation, I am very much removed from everything that is happening back home.
“I was made aware there was a bid yesterday. That bid was turned down before I heard about it. There are people back in England dealing with the situation.
“I really don’t know what is going to happen next, but from our perspective, we still support Alex in every way, and my wish is still that we see him in a Newcastle shirt again.”