Alexander Isak has made it clear he never wants to play for Newcastle United again, but that could always change.
While Isak wants to join Liverpool, he might not get what he wants. The Newcastle United owners are well positioned to stand firm and force the forward to stay, with three years left to run on his contract.
The situation has been muddied by Isak refusing to play for Newcastle. There is a clear attempt to force Newcastle’s hand, as they face up to the reality of having a £100million+ striker on their books who will not kick a ball for the club.
For many Newcastle United fans, this is the end of the road. There is a clear desire to see the back of a player who has disrespected the club.
However, Liverpool have proven in the past that there is always a way back.
Alexander Isak reacts after missing a chance for Newcastle United against West Ham.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
The incredible Luis Suarez and Liverpool situation that Newcastle United should pay attention to
In 2013, Luis Suarez wanted to leave Liverpool. He said as much to the media, stating that there was an agreement for him to leave Anfield if the Reds failed to qualify for the Champions League.
It was an extremely unsavoury situation, as the Uruguayan superstar tried to force through a move to Arsenal.
Brendan Rodgers, who was the Liverpool manager at the time, hit back.
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“There were no promises made and no promises broken,” he told BBC Sport in August 2013.
“The club and his representatives had several conversations and he knew exactly where he was at.
“There has been total disrespect of the club – a club that has given him everything.
“Obviously the remarks I’ve read are bitterly disappointing – but my job is bigger than that.”
Suarez was told to train alone, just like Isak is doing right now. He was told he would not be sold, which is exactly what Newcastle have told Isak.
There was then a U-turn, with Suarez reversing his decision on wanting to leave Liverpool. He was reintroduced into the group, before enjoying the best season of his Liverpool career. The striker scored 31 goals in 33 Premier League games.
At the end of that blistering season, he got his move. Suarez joined Barcelona, costing around £65million.
There is no long-term future for Alexander Isak at Newcastle United
That is a situation that could play out for Isak, as there is no way he has a long-term future at Newcastle United. His intentions are clear, while too many bridges have been burned.
But Newcastle are not going to sell him this summer without getting a replacement. Looking at the options available right now, it is unclear who the Magpies could get.
They are not going to be bullied into doing a deal. Isak will only go if Liverpool offer enough money and a replacement is acquired. Until both of those conditions are satisfied, Isak will continue to be a Newcastle United player.
If he does not go this summer, he will go next summer. By then, Newcastle will have been able to identify a replacement. Time will have been on their side, unlike now.
If that is the situation that plays out, it is up to Isak as to whether he sits on the sidelines and refuses to play or does the job he is paid very handsomely to do.