Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is still wanted by Liverpool this summer, and Dimitar Berbatov can relate to the position the Swede finds himself in with his future up in the air
Alexander Isak looks on
Alexander Isak could be on his way from St. James' Park in the near future
(Image: PA)
Dimitar Berbatov has weighed in on Alexander Isak's situation, as Liverpool keep their sights set on the Newcastle United forward. Isak's impact since joining the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022 has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Swede stands out as one of Europe's elite centre-forwards, with a goal tally of 62 in 109 outings for Newcastle at present. His pivotal role in Newcastle's Premier League finishes of fourth, seventh and fifth over the past three seasons, along with netting the decisive goal in the 2025 Carabao Cup final, underscores his value to the team.
Yet, this summer, the 25-year-old's future at St. James' Park is shrouded in speculation, as he has shared a desire to consider opportunities away from Tyneside, with Liverpool currently appearing as the only viable option for his next move. Berbatov, who himself made a high-profile switch from Tottenham Hotspur to Manchester United in 2008 for £30.75million, understands the complexities of Isak's decision-making process.
In an interview with Mirror Football, LiveScore and LiveScore Bet European Brand Ambassador Berbatov said: "I've been there. I've been in that situation as well, so for a striker or any star player of a team at one point or another, more often than not, it's going to come down to this.
"Him wanting to leave if a bigger club comes after him. Of course, it's different because every individual, every player is different. Everybody thinks differently. But more times than not, when a big, big club comes for you, then you start thinking about trophies, about Champions League, about playing with the best, against the best.
"Of course Newcastle is one of the best teams in England and I used to support them because when [Alan] Shearer was there raising his hand, and all the time it was great watching them. And even now it's entertaining, what they're doing. But when Liverpool comes after you, Man City, Real Madrid, Barca... you know one of the biggest teams in the world, then trust me, your head is going to go like this, thinking about it and imagining it.
Dimitar Berbatov looks on
Dimitar Berbatov has spoken about Alexander Isak(Image: LiveScore)
"'Oh my god the white shirt of Real Madrid,' you know?' The red of Liverpool. 'Is this the next step of my development? So do I need to take it? What happens if I don't? Maybe I miss my opportunity and that's going to be it for me.'
"Of course, maybe the pay raise, more money, because football is business these days. So a lot of questions that I'm sure are going to Isak. Of course his agent around him, his family around him, friends, environment is also very important. Giving him opinions, guidance maybe, and it's going to come to a point, I don't know if that's the point now that we're seeing, where you say to the club, 'Look I've given enough, now it's time to move on.'"
"The club's maybe not going to react well, especially if they don't have the replacement in hand, so now they need to react quickly. Maybe they don't want to let you go, because they have high expectations of you for the next season.
Alexander Isak reacts on the pitch
Alexander Isak has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool this summer
"I go through the team and then friction starts to happen. Then it becomes bigger, and bigger and bigger, and all like this until it reaches the point where everybody is angry and disappointed. You're speaking through the agents and not with the player, then you banish him to train alone or whatever. It's never a good thing, it's never a good thing and it pains me to see stuff like this."
The 44-year-old also emphasised how he encountered a comparable situation when he moved to United from Spurs in 2008, considering how valued he was at White Hart Lane during that period. He added: "I went through that thing. It was a difficult period as well.
"I understand the player, I understand the club and I hope they will find the solution in the middle, a balanced one where everybody will be happy. Of course, the fans, some of them will be okay, the majority of them probably will not understand because this is the star player, the player who scored goals, the player who Newcastle gave the opportunity to show what he can do.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is hoping to add Alexander Isak to his armoury before the window shuts
"So it's never an easy thing and it's just a situation where honestly you don't want to be in. But again, understanding from a player point of view, I understand the team. But again, Harry Kane left Spurs, I left Spurs to go to United.
"Many players are leaving their clubs to go to different clubs and the teams are always there. They will continue to do well. Newcastle, they will find a good replacement, they will continue to do well. So it's about finding the right answer."
Liverpool have already made a move for Newcastle United's Isak with an offer of £110m plus add-ons, which was swiftly turned down due to the Magpies' higher valuation of £150m for their talisman. However, the Reds are expected to keep a close eye on Isak as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
Benjamin Sesko celebrates
Newcastle have seemingly missed out on Benjamin Sesko
Newcastle's attempts to strengthen their attack this summer have so far been fruitless. The club showed initial interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, but he opted for a £79m switch to Anfield instead. And while negotiations with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko seemed hopeful initially, the 22-year-old is now heading to Manchester United for a medical on Friday, poised to sign a long-term contract.
The Magpies are reportedly now setting their sights on Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, although they may face a tough battle with Spurs, especially if Richarlison departs the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming weeks.
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