Newcastle's star striker is digging his heels in over a move to Liverpool
Alexander Isak's future remains uncertain after Newcastle claimed they wouldn't sell
(Image: Getty Images)
Newcastle United face a difficult decision as reports emerge that Alexander Isak does not want to play for the Magpies again, and intends to force a move away from the club - and Chronicle Live readers in our comments section are just about ready for the club to try some punitive action against their player.
Journalist David Ornstein reports that the Swedish international has "no wish to reintegrate" with his Newcastle team-mates, and that he will not play at St James' Park again even if he isn't sold this summer. Isak has been training away from the senior team, and was not being considered for selection for the Premier League opener against Aston Villa even before the report.
Newcastle United's stance remains that Isak is not for sale, and there has been no further movement from Liverpool after their first bid for the 25-year-old was rejected. Even if the Reds return with a much-improved offer over the remaining three weeks of the summer transfer window, Eddie Howe will want a suitable replacement lined up first before he allows Isak to leave.
The Isak saga has been the cherry on the top of a disappointing transfer window so far, and some fans are feeling vengeful.
Reader MrHawkingsFootballBoots2 says: "I have no issue with any player wanting to leave but there is a way to do it. Personally, I would like to see the club hit him with the toughest disciplinary measures possible and send him to the reserves for the rest of his contract.
"What are the implications of paying him while he is refusing to play, and can the club fine him his entire salary each week? I hope the PIF bring their legal might down on him."
Commenter KMac writes: "if that’s how he wants to react, then dump him in the U21’s until next summer and ruin his World Cup." Enigma48 adds: "About time this pantomime was put to bed."
Liamsdad71 says: "Keep him till January. If Liverpool aren’t in the top two or three places in the league, Newcastle will be in a better place to name their price. Hopefully they don’t have to pay him whilst he is breaching his contract either. His behaviour means we don’t owe him any favours!"
PeterCl writes: "If that's the case, so be it. Does he think he will be selected for Sweden, if he's not playing for his club? So he can say goodbye to the World Cup next year then, unless as a fan on the terraces.
"Why should Newcastle sell at a value they don't consider he's worth? And then the fact there's no time to replace him, with any comparable replacement. It's about time contracts start to mean something, and not just pieces of paper, with someone's signature on it. If it isn't, it's just an expensive autograph, not a legal document of agreement, between two parties."
Paulthetaxi says: "I don't think he can put the black-and-white strip on ever again after this fiasco. He has three years or so left on his contract, can you imagine if he did this in a normal job? He would be gone. Eddie Howe needs to fine him heavily."
Whistler2 writes: "Look if a player wants to go, that’s the way it is. In the old days the clubs had the upper hand. The lads in Newcastle's dressing room will just get on with it. Someone new will come in and if he can help the team, all will be well. There will be no bitterness off the players towards Isak. It could be them next."
Seraphim says: "Now I definitely want to see PIF dig their heels in and stick him in the reserves for 3 years,and let him rot. Forget PSR. We don't need the money."
Have your say! How should Newcastle United try to draw a line under the Isak situation? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.