Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has been told he has few remaining options as the saga over his potential move to Liverpool rumbles on and the Toon Army grow restless
Alexander Isak during the Newcastle United Pre Season Training Camp.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been told his options are slim after angering the Toon Army
(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Wantaway Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has been told there's only one way to conclude his transfer saga.
The Swedish forward's future remains up in the air after he missed the Magpies' Premier League opener against Aston Villa on Saturday as he attempts to engineer a switch to Anfield. The 25-year-old has been training away from Newcastle's first team squad after he missed the club's pre-season tour of Asia.
Despite reports indicating that Isak has pledged never to turn out for the Magpies again, manager Eddie Howe hasn't dismissed the chance of him remaining. Liverpool's opening offer of £110million for the player was swiftly rejected, and they are yet to table an improved bid.
It is understood that Newcastle are eager to bring in new strikers before entertaining the idea of allowing Isak to depart. In the meantime, he has come under fire from the Toon Army over his efforts to push through a move, with some fans aiming a chant of "there's only one greedy b******" at him following the goalless stalemate at Villa Park.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster has suggested that Liverpool are partially to blame for the fraught situation. Foster, who also previously played for Wrexham, believes that the Reds may have encouraged Isak to stir up trouble through his agent, though that claim is purely speculation.
He suggested that Isak's handling of the situation has left Liverpool as his only viable option, having seemingly burnt his bridges at Newcastle.
Newcastle fans at Aston Villa v Newcastle United at Villa Park, Birmingham
Newcastle fans made their thoughts on Isak clear at Villa Park on Saturday
Speaking on the Fozcast podcast, Foster said: "He has to go to Liverpool, because I think that's probably the only team that will have him now.
"Isak's going to be fuming as well, because guaranteed that somebody from Liverpool has got in touch with his agent and gone, 'We want you here, hand in a transfer request or kick up a fuss and we'll sign you.' But they still haven't signed him.
"I think he just needs to take accountability for it all, and he needs to come out with a statement. He needs to be open and honest with people. Liverpool are also aware that he's finished at Newcastle. They're not really going to be willing to up their offer any more."
Alexander Isak steps off a flight
Alexander Isak has been told he needs to take accountability for his actions
Anthony Gordon stepped into the role vacated by Isak against Villa, operating as a false nine, though Newcastle were unable to score. The Magpies could still strengthen their forward line before the transfer window closes, with Yoane Wissa and Goncalo Ramos both featuring on their wishlist.
Meanwhile, Foster reckons the animosity from Newcastle supporters towards Isak will eventually force the transfer through. The former England goalkeeper said a quick resolution is in everyone's interests.
He added: "Newcastle fans are different. This is in their blood and he's besmirched them. He's in the mud, he's done and he cannot play for Newcastle ever again, but he's got the required result. The club has seen that [fans chanting] at the end of the game and gone, 'We just need to get him sold.'"