Alan Shearer suspects Alexander Isak's social media statement may have hindered rather than strengthened his chances of joining Liverpool, who have already seen one bid turned down by Newcastle
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 11: Alexander Isak meets Newcastle United Legend Alan Shearer at the Newcastle United Training Ground on January 11, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Alan Shearer accepts there is a chance Alexander Isak could join Liverpool before the transfer deadline
(Image: Serena Taylor, Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Alan Shearer has explained how he sees Alexander Isak joining Liverpool this summer, but suspects the striker has shot himself in the foot. The Swede has broken his silence as he attempts to engineer a move away from Newcastle, accusing the club of breaking promises in a social media statement.
The Magpies quickly responded, expressing disappointment at Isak's message but leaving the door open for the 25-year-old to return to the fold, despite his desire to join the Reds. He was absent from Saturday's opening day stalemate with Aston Villa and it would be a surprise if he featured under Eddie Howe in the near future – possibly ever.
Newcastle icon Shearer has been an outspoken critic of Isak's and his representative's behaviour throughout the saga, which has dragged on for much of the summer. Shearer confessed he feels Isak might still secure his desired transfer, but only if Newcastle recruit replacements and Liverpool get nearer to their £150million valuation.
The former England skipper told Betfair: "My view is the same as it was three or four weeks ago. If Newcastle can get players in to replace him, and if Newcastle receive a bid they want to accept, then it may happen.
"If that doesn't happen, then he stays, and it becomes really messy. If Liverpool want him, then they put in an offer Newcastle will accept, and if Newcastle can get two players in, because that's what they need, one to replace Isak and one to replace [Callum] Wilson, then fine.
"They've been trying to do that for the past four or five weeks and haven't been able to. Whether they can do that in the next 10 days is doubtful, but there's still time."
Alan Shearer
Shearer doubts Newcastle can find a suitable replacement for Isak before the end of the transfer window
Shearer suspects Isak's statement will only harden Newcastle's resolve. He added: "I think we're just sat here guessing, but last night's statement hasn't done him any favours whatsoever in terms of trying to get Newcastle onside or forcing them into a decision. I think they'll just go the opposite way."
Isak issued his statement after being named in the PFA Premier League team of the season. He posted: "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 act now as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
Eddie Howe with Alexander Isak
Newcastle have rejected Isak's claims about broken promises
"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 denied Isak's claims, while also leaving the possibility open for the player to rejoin the squad. The club stated: "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. 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 team-mates."