Alexander Isak’s potential transfer to Liverpool has dominated the headlines over the last few weeks.
Indeed, talks of a potential move died down from the start of the window, but over the last few days, plenty of developments have occurred.
Isak is now refusing to play for Newcastle again to force a move to Anfield, with the Sweden international only seeing his future with Liverpool.
Alexander Isak applauds supporters ahead of Newcastle United's Premier League match against Everton at St James' Park.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
However, with Newcastle not managing to sign a new striker yet, they’re being rather stubborn with the negotiations and still seem to be sticking to their fee of £150million for the striker, even though it’s more than clear where his head is at.
Gary Neville believes Alexander Isak should be fuming with his agent after Liverpool saga
Isak has been the Reds’ number one target for as long as many can remember.
Indeed, Liverpool’s attention ended up turning towards Hugo Ekitike, who they eventually signed, but even though the Frenchman was impressive during his debut, it’s clear that Liverpool could still use some extra firepower.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville gave his thoughts on how the whole Isak saga has panned out and how he thinks the former Real Sociedad man should be feeling.
“Isak should be angry with his agent. It’s unsavoury. I feel sorry for Eddie Howe,” he said.
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“Isak wants to win trophies and is agitating for a move because he’s got one career. I can see both sides. At 25, he’s got five or six good years left.
“It looks like this guy is downing tools and saying he’s not playing, and I don’t think that is right. Newcastle have to stand strong here; if you’re the club, it sends the wrong message to sell after what has happened.
“I think they have to keep him for another year because the precedent will be dangerous for Newcastle.”
Alexander Isak would make Liverpool unstoppable
There’s no hiding from the fact that Liverpool are the team to beat this season.
Even if they didn’t add the likes of Florian Wirtz and Ekitike to their ranks, due to their Premier League win last time around, they’d still be the favourites.
However, if Isak were to sign, it’s unclear how dominant the Reds would actually be.
The towering Swede was one of the Premier League’s best players last season, and even though Mohamed Salah is likely to win the player of the year award, Isak could be the one to come away with it next term.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United pictured ahead of the Premier League game against Ipswich Town at St James' Park.
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images
That is, especially since Salah, Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai would be the ones setting him up.
At the moment, it feels more likely than not that Isak will sign for Liverpool, but until Arne Slot chooses to make another bid, everything is still up in the air.