The Swedish striker has made his stance very clear as the transfer saga continues
Football content editor for Chronicle Live, Sunderland Live, Gazette Live, Leeds Live, Yorkshire Live and Hull Live. A North East native, he has been working in sports journalism since 1995. Stuart has worked on the Sunday Sun, Chronicle and the Journal since move from the Gateshead Post in 1999.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak is a transfer target for Liverpool
Newcastle's Alexander Isak is a transfer target for Liverpool
Alexander Isak may think he is putting all the pressure on Newcastle United as he looks to engineer his move to Liverpool this summer. But in fact, all his latest transfer stunt has done is to turn up the heat on Arne Slot and Co to put up or shut up.
The Swedish striker is said to be adamant that he will not play for the Magpies again after making it clear that he wants to leave the club before September 1 and deadline day.
He has not kicked a ball for the club since the final day of last season and that does not look likely to change any time soon.
United head coach Eddie Howe admitted last weekend that he feels unable to select the 25-year-old given his current stance, and he is training separately away from the main group.
Given it leaves United with no recognised first-team striker, it's a situation which everyone at the club would have rather avoided this summer.
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However, Newcastle are sticking to their guns. They won't consider selling Isak until a suitable offer comes in - and that means something near their £150m valuation of the Swede.
Liverpool have made one bid of around £110m but that was swiftly rejected. The ball is now firmly in their court.
Of course Newcastle need the situation resolved quickly as the current scenario is benefiting no one. Howe can only be focused on preparing his side for Saturday's Premier League opener at Aston Villa, while the recruitment team work to identify transfer targets before the window closes.
It's a messy affair, but Isak's reported refusal to contemplate staying at Newcastle changes nothing as far as United are concerned.
All it does is ramp up the pressure for Liverpool to come back with a second, improved offer.
It's not a good look, and while it's unlikely to put Slot and Co off the striker, who after all has netted 62 goals in 109 appearances for United, the Anfield side may feel he is forcing their hand somewhat.
You could perhaps understand his stance if Liverpool had seen bid after bid turned down, with United moving the goalposts on his valuation and what they would accept.
But throughout the sorry saga, Newcastle have not wavered from their stance - and as yet only one bid has been made.
It will be a bitter blow to lose someone of Isak's calibre whenever what feels like the inevitable happens, but that's football. Players come and go all the time and Newcastle are at least in a position where they can reinvest the money.
However, while I'm sure the player - and his representatives - will soon forget the furore surrounding his conduct, the stain on his reputation may take a little longer to wear off.
You have to wonder what Slot, a man so gracious in defeat at Wembley back in March, makes of it all.