Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, and Dimitar Berbatov has given an insight into the forward's current situation
Alexander Isak looks on
Alexander Isak has been linked with a move away from Newcastle United
(Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Alexander Isak has plenty to ponder as Liverpool maintain their pursuit of the Newcastle United forward.
Describing his impact since his 2022 switch from Real Sociedad as impressive would be selling him short. The Swedish international has established himself as one of Europe's premier strikers, with his clinical finishing evident in his tally of 62 goals across 109 outings for the Magpies.
Isak has played a crucial role in Newcastle's impressive Premier League campaigns, helping secure fourth, seventh and fifth-place finishes over the last three seasons, whilst also netting the decisive goal in the 2025 Carabao Cup final. Nevertheless, the 25-year-old's future on Tyneside remains shrouded in uncertainty this summer, after the Swedish international indicated his desire to weigh up opportunities elsewhere, with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool currently his most viable option.
According to Berbatov, who experienced similar circumstances when leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Manchester United in 2008 for £30.75million, Isak faces a complex decision, and the former striker understands exactly what the player is experiencing. In conversation with Mirror Football, the LiveScore and LiveScore Bet European Brand Ambassador 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's situation amid interest from Liverpool
"'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 looks on
Isak has told the club he wants to explore options away from St. James' Park
"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 revealed how he encountered a comparable situation when he moved to United from Tottenham in 2008, considering how highly regarded he was at White Hart Lane at the time. 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.
"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.
Benjamin Sesko celebrates
Newcastle have seemingly missed out on Benjamin Sesko
"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 an unsuccessful £110m bid for Isak, with the Magpies holding out for their £150m valuation of the star. Despite the setback, it is believed that Liverpool will keep a close eye on Isak's situation as the summer transfer window draws to a close.
Newcastle's attempts to strengthen their attacking line-up this summer have so far been met with disappointment. The club expressed an interest in Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike, only for the French player to make a £79m move to Anfield instead.
Initial discussions with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko seemed promising, but the 22-year-old has now flown to Manchester United for a medical on Friday, where he is expected to finalise a long-term contract. The club is reportedly now considering a move for Chelsea's unsettled Nicolas Jackson. However, they could face tough competition from Spurs if Richarlison parts ways with the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the coming weeks.
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