Alexander Isak has been doing his level best to get a big-money move to Liverpool this summer.
After three excellent seasons with Newcastle United, the Swedish striker has decided he is ready for a move to join the Reds.
Unfortunately, Newcastle have so far decided that they do not agree with Isak and are instead doing everything in their power to keep him at St James’ Park. It is a battle of wills which ultimately only one side can win.
On Saturday, the pendulum appeared to swing a little in Newcastle’s favour. News emerged that Isak will return to training with the Magpies after coming back from a private training camp in Spain.
However, the suggestion remains that Isak very much still wants to join Liverpool, as the Reds prepare a second bid for his services.
As the poker game between Newcastle and Isak continues, former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has given an insight into what the player will be telling his agents this summer.
Alexander Isak lines up for Sweden ahead of the international friendly match between Sweden and Northern Ireland at Strawberry Arena.
Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images
Alexander Isak will be in ‘non-stop’ communication with agents
Pennant joined Liverpool from Birmingham City during the summer of 2006. Having had a good season in the Midlands, he felt ready for the step up.
And speaking to TalkSPORT about the Isak situation, Pennant drew on his own experiences to predict what the 25-year-old will be doing at the moment.
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“From the player’s side, he’s going to be non-stop in communication with his representatives, trying whatever way, shape, form possible to make this happen,” said the pundit.
“Probably make it as uncomfortable as they can for Newcastle to will this over the line, to make it as easy as possible for the deal to go through. He’ll be doing everything he can trying to negotiate this move. There’ll be a back and forth with his agent to have meetings and whatnot.”
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“When I got my move to Liverpool,when I heard they were interested, I was non-stop on the phone saying ‘make this happen, make this happen,'” Pennant continued. “I fell out with my agent for like a month.
“Throughout pre-season nothing was happening and I was saying every day ‘what’s the situation?’ I was a big baby, I threw my toys out of the pram, I said make this happen or I’m not speaking to you! I’m not saying he’ll be doing that but there’ll be conversations going on.”
Benjamin Sesko deal will allow Isak to leave
Of course, there is a part of this which is out of Isak and his agent’s control, and that is the fact that Newcastle need to replace him if he leaves.
Ideally, the Magpies would like to get a player in before giving the green light to Isak’s exit, and it feels very much like they want that player to be Benjamin Sesko.
A bid of around £70m in total fees was lodged for Sesko on Saturday, with journalist Keith Downie reporting that if the Slovenian is signed, Isak will be allowed to leave.
“Alexander Isak will meet with Eddie Howe when they return, Howe will likely be back in on Tuesday,” Downie told his YouTube channel. “Obviously, if Sesko comes in, that will allow Isak to go and then of course Liverpool will come back with an increased bid.”
“All this nonsense of ‘that’s Liverpool made their final bid.’ They’ve not made their final bid. There’s four weeks of the window to go, they’ve bid well under what Newcastle are wanting, of course they’re going to come back in. I know that’s the briefing but it all just feels like a game and a tactic at the moment.”