Alexander Isak is doing his best to leave Newcastle United as soon as possible.
It remains to be seen if he will get his wish, with Newcastle telling Isak he is not for sale.
In the meantime, he is taking matters into his own hands. It has been reported that Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle, despite being under contract until the summer of 2028.
The 25-year-old is trying to force through a move to Liverpool, who are yet to return with a second bid.
The way that he is conducting himself is disgraceful, with Isak criticised for his actions by Ally McCoist.
Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle United against Liverpool at St James' Park.
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
Newcastle United have tried to pave the way for Alexander Isak to leave
His recent actions are even more disgraceful when you consider that Newcastle United have at least been trying to accommodate his exit.
The Magpies have tried to buy plenty of strikers this summer, with bids made for Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.
Throughout the pursuit of each player, the word was that Newcastle United wanted them to play alongside Isak. In reality, Newcastle were probably planning for a future without Isak.
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That was certainly evident by the time Newcastle were bidding for Sesko. Alas, he chose to sign for Manchester United.
While Newcastle do not want to sell Isak, they have tried to make a departure possible. But Isak’s dream is not going to become a reality without Newcastle buying a replacement. He has to appreciate that. And he knows how good he is, which in turn means he should know just how difficult it will be to replace him.
Newcastle have tried, but they failed. Now there are limited options out there, which is resulting in the Newcastle United owners standing firm on Isak’s position at the club.
Liverpool hurt their Alexander Isak chances by signing Hugo Ekitike
The ironic thing is that Liverpool are the club trying to buy Isak, yet they bought a player who could have replaced him at St James’ Park.
Newcastle moved for Ekitike, and were prepared to break their transfer record for him. The plan was for Ekitike to become Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever, only for Arne Slot to swoop in.
That resulted in the Magpies missing out on a key target, while it also made the prospect of Isak leaving less likely.
In a strange turn of events, Liverpool hurt their own chances of signing Isak. It would be interesting to know how he feels about that, as he continues to tarnish his Newcastle United legacy to force a move to Merseyside.