· 20 August 2025, 19:00
We wonder if Alexander Isak is regretting the statement he put out for the world to see last night, as it doesn't seem to have had the desired effect.
Alexander Isak broke his silence on what's gone on between himself and Newcastle United by issuing a statement that pointed a finger at broken promises made by people who aren't even at the club anymore, while taking zero accountability for his actions.
Not at any point in his statement did Isak acknowledge the Newcastle fans who have suffered endless speculation about their star player, just adding to the credence that Isak never cared about the club or the supporters and was only here to further his career and move on when he could. Which is fine, all players do that, but most of those are honest about it.
The club's response to Isak's statement, in which he said he needed to move on for the benefit of everybody, was to slam the door in his face. Newcastle would have likely accommodated his wish to leave this summer if the right bid came along, but now that options seem to be off the table. Although Liverpool will test that resolve next week, according to a new report.
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Beware, you're about to agree with everything Stan Collymore says
It wasn't just Newcastle who reacted strongly to Isak's words. Bruno Guimaraes posted shortly after with an image of himself proudly wearing the Newcastle kit, while pundits everywhere have condemned his actions. One of whom was former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore, who issued a lengthy statement of his own on X basically telling Isak to suck it up and to sack his agent.
"A lot to unpack.
"Firstly, he's under contract, one he willingly signed.
"Secondly, and I've experienced this as have a million players, I think he's alluding to ( on signing that contract) the old "do well and if someone offers £80m for you we'll let you go. Answer to this of course is a buy out clause that both parties should maybe have entered into.
"Thirdly, he's doing something every modern ( and I hate it) player does. Won't take the very old school route of transfer request as it means giving up a large chunk of bonus/loyalty/salary. In short, modern players want to leave, be paid on leaving and on signing for a new club. Cake meets eating it.
"If Newcastle said to him and his agent a year ago " we'll let him go if he has a great season " but it wasn't written down, tough on Isak.
"If the player wants to leave but doesn't want to go on the transfer list, then that's the player wanting that cake and eating it.
"If he's desperate to leave, put in a request, that alerts every club on earth of his availability ( if Newcastle accept it, and that should because no club wants a player who doesn't want to stay publicly/officially) he forfeits some cash but he's outta there pronto.
"Newcastle can play hardball and make him fulfil his contractual obligations but they'll lose money month on month plus they'll need a replacement who does want to play for Newcastle.
"I'd sack the agent if I'd received the advice he has, because his contract didn't have a " if you do well you can go at £xxxx", he's basically been out of action for a couple of weeks ( what's the agent doing to get him and club to agree an exit strategy???), an agent several weeks in should advise pulling the transfer list rip cord ( " you're going to lose some dough but your next club will make it up ") etc etc. And any public statement can be used in any tribunal against the player so advise him to keep it shut.
"Piss poor agent work, naive player, "possible" renaging ( pure speculation at this point) on handshake by club, a football transfer room 101 in how not to handle a febrile situation."
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It's all about the money
I'm not sure I've ever agreed with every word Stan Collymore has written in a single piece before, but this is his magnum opus.
Isak has been failed by his representation. If that gentleman's agreement existed, why wasn't it written down somewhere? Why sign a six-year contract if you're only here as a stepping stone? Where's the transfer request?
As we said, it's all about money with him. Whether that's Isak or his agent driving it, that's what it all comes down to. Pure greed.
If Isak was on a poor wage at Newcastle, we'd understand it, but he's still one of the top earners at the club, and the club was willing to offer him a new deal this summer. He's just seen the pound signs and spat his dummy out.