Alexander Isak is reportedly desperate to leave Newcastle this summer, but the Magpies could take inspiration from Sir Alex Ferguson to solve their transfer dilemma
Eddie Howe pats Alexander Isak's stomach
Eddie Howe may take a page out of Sir Alex Ferguson's book in how to deal with Alexander Isak's situation
(Image: PA)
Eddie Howe might benefit from following Sir Alex Ferguson's lead when it comes to Alexander Isak, which could see Liverpool get their man in the end. Newcastle are grappling with a discontented star eager to depart St. James' Park, much like Manchester United faced when Cristiano Ronaldo set his sights on Real Madrid back in 2008.
Isak, 25, has been open about his ambitions to quit the Magpies, resulting in his exclusion from the squad as the new Premier League season approaches. According to The Athletic, Isak remains "adamant" his days in the northeast are over, having become disillusioned over his contract and Liverpool seeing a £120million bid for his services turned down.
The circumstances differ, but certain elements of this impasse mirror United's dilemma with Ronaldo 17 years ago. The Portuguese icon had just guided the Red Devils to European glory, which prompted then-Real president Ramon Calderon to openly declare his ambition to secure the superstar's services.
Ferguson, 83, wasn't pleased with such public declarations and made his feelings known to his player, though his resistance came with conditions. In his 2013 autobiography (via The Mirror), the Scot revealed he had struck a private deal with five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo, agreeing he would stay for more season before being permitted to leave on United's terms.
An excerpt from the book read: "I found the boy expressing an urge to go to Real Madrid, and told him, 'You can't go this year, not after the way Calderon has approached the issue.'
"I said, 'I know you want to go to Real Madrid, but I'd rather shoot you than sell you to that guy now. If you perform, don't mess us about, and someone comes and offers us a world-record fee, then we will let you go.' I had already conveyed that message to his agent, Jorge Mendes.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground in 2009.
Ferguson convinced Cristiano Ronaldo to stay at United for one more season despite heavy interest from Real Madrid in 2008
"I did well to calm him down. I told him the reason I was refusing to sell him that year was because of Calderon. I said, 'If I do that, all my honour's gone, everything's gone for me, and I don't care if you have to sit in the stands. I know it won't come to that, but I just have to tell you I will not let you leave this year.'"
Ronaldo's exit the following year was the stuff of fantasy at the time. He completed his 2008/09 campaign at Old Trafford before moving to Real for a then-world-record sum of £80m once Florentino Perez replaced Calderon as Real president.
The investment proved exceptional value for the Spanish giants, while Ferguson got to maintain his principles. The same might not apply to Isak, however, after allegedly declaring his refusal to represent Newcastle again.
Should Howe follow in Ferguson's footsteps, he might have to come to terms with Isak spending a considerable amount of time warming the bench. It seems almost unthinkable in the modern landscape, yet Howe and his Saudi backers must entertain the prospect, especially as no clear buyers are queuing up to meet his reported £150m valuation at this point in the window, although it has been claimed that Newcastle's stance on that price tag could soften.
Alexander Isak ahead of Newcastle's final 2024-25 match
Isak is on protest at Newcastle and reportedly insists he has played his last game for the club
The Swede's supposed act of rebellion has ruffled feathers at talkSPORT, with Gabby Agbonlahor and Ally McCoist voicing their disapproval on Tuesday. The duo believe Isak's off-season antics, which include skipping Newcastle's pre-season tour and training with former club Real Sociedad, have done no favours to his reputation.
Ex-Aston Villa forward Agbonlahor didn't mince his words about Isak upon learning of the recent developments, questioning: "Who does he think he is? Disgusting, what that club has done for you."
Scottish football legend McCoist also weighed in, casting doubt on whether Isak's conduct fits the profile of a top-tier signing: "If you're Liverpool, is that the kind of person you want to be signing?"