Alan Shearer spoke about Alexander Isak's ongoing stand-off with Newcastle before the latter released a statement suggesting he has already played his last game for the club
Alan Shearer speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast
Alan Shearer is surprised by Alexander Isak's refusal to play for Newcastle after meeting him earlier this year
(Image: youtube.com/@therestisfootball)
Alan Shearer believes something major has transpired behind the scenes to upset Alexander Isak into forcing a move away from Newcastle United.
Isak is currently in the midst of a stand-off with Newcastle as he attempts to force a move away from the club, who he joined three years ago and won the Carabao Cup with last season. The 25-year-old missed the side’s pre-season training camp and tour of Asia amid growing speculation around his future.
After informing Newcastle of his desire to leave, the forward has been the subject of a £110million bid from Liverpool at the beginning of this month, which the north east club quickly rejected. He has since been training alone and missed the Magpies’ Premier League opener against Aston Villa, which Newcastle drew 0-0 against 10 men.
The club hierarchy insist they will allow their talisman to leave only in the case where another club matches their valuation of him, rumoured to be in the region of £150m, given that he is under contract until 2028.
Newcastle legend Shearer spoke this week in the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast about the transfer saga, which is expected to rage on until the window closes on September 1.
The former striker revealed he spoke in depth with Isak earlier this year and, during that conversation, did not get any indication that he wanted to leave - which he believes means something has seriously upset the Sweden international in the period since.
Shearer recalled: “I sat down with him five or six months ago and I didn’t see this in him, to be honest. I thought he was a manager’s dream the way he spoke about his life and was talking about the club. So obviously, something has massively upset him and we don’t know what.
His co-host Gary Lineker theorised: “These things are always behind closed doors so there could have been a point maybe a year ago where they said, ‘If you have another great season we’ll give you a big bonus, redo your contract’, and then it didn't transpire. I don’t know, but I suppose we’ll find out at some point.”
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United reacts during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Fulham FC at St James' Park on February 1, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Isak this week accused Newcastle of breaking a promise
(Image: Visionhaus, Visionhaus/Getty Images)
The episode was filmed before but released after Isak dropped a bombshell statement on Tuesday night, breaking his silence on the matter. On the night, Isak had failed to attend the Professional Footballers’ Association awards gala, where he was named in the Premier League team of the season.
The Swede took to Instagram to post a statement explaining why, while suggesting he will not play for Newcastle again. He seemingly confirmed Shearer’s suspicions by saying “promises have been broken” and “trust has been lost” between the club and player.
He wrote: "I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."
Newcastle quickly addressed his comments with a statement of their own, writing: “We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening. We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.
Alan Shearer and Alexander Isak meet
Shearer believes something has happened behind the scenes to frustrate Isak
(Image: Getty)
“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met.
“This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”
There is some speculation as to where the relationship has soured. There have been reports of the Newcastle frontman being promised a new big-money deal by Amanda Staveley, but Staveley and her husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi sold their stake in the club to the Saudi Public Investment Fund in July 2024.
It is claimed Paul Mitchell, who later joined as the club’s sporting director, immediately cancelled talks with the player, believing the three years left on his contract meant he didn’t need a new one.
Another theory is that Isak has been left frustrated with the club’s trajectory and lack of ambition. It has undoubtedly been a disappointing summer recruitment-wise for Eddie Howe, having missed out on a number of top targets, when Isak would have wanted to see the club invest in new players to match his ambition of competing for elite trophies.