Alexander Isak has been pushing for a move to Liverpool this summer, but Newcastle are standing firm by demanding a British record fee of £150million for their star striker
Alexander Isak shouting
Alexander Isak isn't afraid to showcase his fiery side(Image: Getty Images)
To his benefit or detriment, Alexander Isak has demonstrated he's not one to shy away from confrontation - as evidenced by his bold retort to former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. Liverpool are well aware of his goalscoring exploits, but his defiant mentality can be just as valuable an asset.
The Newcastle forward has been in the firing line as speculation intensifies over a blockbuster move to Anfield. Yet, he's proved he can answer criticism head-on.
A clear example of this came after Ten Hag accused Newcastle of time-wasting in the 2023 Carabao Cup final. "We know they delay," the Dutchman argued. "It's something referees don't want."
Isak responded a few weeks later after Newcastle beat United 2-0 in the league. "I don't really agree," he insisted. "We worked with intensity, and we were the team that wanted to win – the team bringing the game forward."
He went further, pointing the finger back at United: "They wasted more time than us. I don't put too much focus on that. I think we put in a great performance."
The remark underlines Isak's fiery streak and refusal to be walked over - traits reflected in his determination to force a move to Liverpool this summer. The Reds are eager to add the 25-year-old to an attacking unit already featuring Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring against Man Utd
Isak remains Liverpool's top striker target(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool have already broken the British transfer record once this summer for Wirtz, who joined in a deal totalling £116m, and will likely have to do so again if they're to land Isak. Newcastle, however, are demanding £150m, a figure the Anfield hierarchy are keen to drive down.
The tug-of-war looks set to come to a head in the coming fortnight. Newcastle could be forced to lower the price amid reports Isak could refuse to play unless his wishes are granted.
Conversely, Liverpool may feel less pressure to push the deal through, especially given Ekitike's blistering start to life on Merseyside. The £69m French signing already has goals in the Community Shield and in the win over Bournemouth - and looks more than capable of leading the line on his own.
Eddie Howe with Alexander Isak
Eddie Howe refused to condemn the anti-Isak chants Newcastle fans were heard singing on Saturday
For now, the saga remains unresolved. Isak has resorted to drastic measures to force the issue - skipping Newcastle's pre-season trip to Asia and sitting out their opening-day draw with Aston Villa, where Anthony Gordon was forced to play as a makeshift striker.
Despite dominating possession and seeing Villa go down to 10 men, the Magpies failed to find a goal. They dominated possession and registered 16 shots, but just three were on target - a stat that underlined just how much they missed Isak's cutting edge.
To make matters worse, sections of the away support branded Isak "greedy" and even sang: "We don't care about Isak, he don't care about me. All we care about is NUFC."
Manager Eddie Howe chose not to criticise the chant, only saying: "Whatever happens, I think the supporters acted really well today because they supported the team. Not everything has been plain sailing but they've always been with the team. And then if afterwards they want to say something, I think they're very free to do that."