Alexander Isak is not a happy man at Newcastle United, and would be much happier if he could join Liverpool.
That is the striker’s wish, with Isak wanting to sign for Liverpool before the summer transfer window closes.
His dream may not come true, however, with Isak likely to stay at Newcastle United as it stands. The situation hinges on a replacement being found, which currently looks extremely challenging.
All the while, Isak is refusing to play for Newcastle. It is claimed that he does not want to represent the club again, which could create an awkward situation if he is still at St James’ Park when the transfer window slams shut on 1st September.
The Sweden international has three years left to run on his Toon contract, having signed a six-year deal in 2022. That deal did not include a release clause, which is a key factor for Ian Wright and Gary Neville.
Alexander Isak applauds the Newcastle United fans after drawing with Bournemouth.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Alexander Isak should be ‘angry’ at his agent, not Newcastle United
Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick To Football podcast, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has slammed Isak for the way he has acted.
There was then a response from Gary Neville, who believes that all of Isak’s anger should be directed only at his agent.
“It’s shocking behaviour,” he said.
“I don’t know what’s happened with his agent. I don’t know if his agent hadn’t done the job properly or whatever. If Liverpool were going to get him, go pay the £150million.”
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Neville added: “If Isak wants to be angry with anybody, be angry with your agent for not putting in a buyout clause [in his contract].”
After an interjection from Roy Keane, Wright then said: “Don’t sign a six-year deal with no release clause.”
“Absolutely,” said Neville.
Alexander Isak has inadvertently created this situation for himself
In a perverse way, this is all of Isak’s own doing.
Playing so well for Newcastle United has resulted in a lot of interest in him, but it has also created a situation where it is now so difficult for him to leave.
Given the valuation of strikers nowadays and the lack of world class options, Newcastle are right to value Isak at £150million. That is based on the time remaining on his contract and how good of a player he has become. In essence, his own performances are pricing himself out of a move.
In turn, his importance at Newcastle makes him ridiculously difficult to replace. That is what Newcastle are struggling to do, having failed with bids for Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko.
While Newcastle are continuing to look for a replacement, it is difficult to pick out who in world football is available and up to the task.