Liverpool have endlessly found themselves linked with Alexander Isak this summer, but one former Newcastle United player believes the striker has shown a red flag with his behaviour
Alexander Isak looks dejected
Liverpool have been told that Alexander Isak's behaviour this summer should be a 'red flag' to them
(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Nicky Butt believes that Alexander Isak's "disrespectful" conduct at Newcastle United ought to serve as a "red flag" for Liverpool. The Swedish forward appears to have severed ties on Tyneside amid reports claiming he has said he will never play for the Magpies again.
The 25-year-old, who only arrived at St James' Park in a £63million transfer from Real Sociedad in 2022, has remained tight-lipped regarding his future - which could now lie at Liverpool given their pursuit of the striker - but his agents are seemingly angling for a transfer. Whilst the Reds saw an initial offer of £110m plus add-ons quickly dismissed by Newcastle, it is believed that last season's Premier League champions may soon return with a renewed proposal - but only should Newcastle's position alter.
The Magpies remain unwilling to allow Isak's departure until their £150m valuation of the player is satisfied and a replacement is secured. The circumstances in the North East have soured, given Isak's recent rebellion, with the player training apart from the first team after being absent from Eddie Howe's pre-season tour of Asia.
Butt, who represented the Toon Army from 2004 to 2010, has expressed concerns about Isak's behaviour, suggesting it could be a significant warning sign for Arne Slot and Liverpool. Speaking to Mirror Football via BetMGM, the 50-year-old said: "I've never met Isak in my life, he always looked like a really decent guy on the football pitch, but I think the way he's behaved has been really disrespectful to the football club and knowing what the fans are like up there, you know, I wish him all the best."
He added: "It would be a red flag for me if I was a manager, but you don't know what's been said to the boy. You might have said the only way you're getting out is by going and kicking up a fuss, and if this is your dream to play for this football club, then you've got to go and maybe be out of character for a while.
"So you don't know what goes on, and I think there's a lot of games with agents in modern day football, and it's just sad. I mean, I'm sure if Isak went into the football club and said, 'I want to play for Liverpool or my boyhood club or whatever that might be, and I need to leave, I don't want to kick up a fuss, but I will do if you don't help me out here...'
"I think once someone says that to you, you better off letting them go. Just let them go and do what they want to do and get some good money for them. And shake their hand and wish them all the best, even though if you don't believe that. It's just a better way of doing things, and I just think he's been badly advised." Butt is not the only one to criticise Isak's conduct, with several pundits and ex-players insisting he has gone about things the wrong way.
Nicky Butt wipes his face
Nicky Butt played for Newcastle United for six years
Butt also suggested it was disheartening to witness the situation develop as it has following such a triumphant campaign for Newcastle, which saw them secure Champions League qualification and claim their first piece of silverware in 70 years in the form of the Carabao Cup. Isak also netted the decisive goal in the final against Liverpool to deliver the trophy for the Magpies.
He added: "Yeah, I think it's sad, isn't it, after an amazing season for Newcastle and the fans, and the manager, and the players and everyone associated with Newcastle. And to see the star player behave like he has been, I think it's pretty bad, really. Pretty sad.
"I hope it does happen for the club's sake now. He [Howe] can move on. He can go and he can get the money and go and find players that want to play for that football club, and I think that's the most important thing.
"It's really tough to come back from that, because if you're doing the right things around your peers and within the changing rooms, you can always try and win fans back, if you like. You can always try and work hard and apologise, but if you lose your mates in the changing room, I think you're done."
Alexander Isak holds his hands up in the air
Alexander Isak is pushing for a move away from Newcastle United
It's not the first instance of a player causing a stir in an attempt to secure a transfer this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres notoriously abandoning Sporting CP's pre-season preparations to force a move to Arsenal. Despite the Gunners eventually agreeing on a £64m deal for the 27-year-old, Isak's similar tactics could backfire.
This is because Liverpool have yet to make a second offer, meaning the Swede may be compelled to stay in the north east. The Reds have already splashed out over £250m this summer on the likes of Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong.
As they are currently focusing their efforts on securing deals for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and Parma's Giovanni Leoni, funds previously earmarked for Isak might take a hit ahead of deadline day.