Alexander Isak is desperate to join Liverpool from Newcastle United, with the striker's relationship with the Magpies on its last legs as he looks to force through a move
Alexander Isak arrives at a stadium
Alexander Isak is pushing for a move away from Newcastle United(Image: Alex Livesey, Getty Images)
Alexander Isak could be following in Georginio Wijnaldum's footsteps as he looks to engineer a switch from Newcastle United to Liverpool.
This summer, Isak has been at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war, with Liverpool pushing hard to sign him. But the move has proven difficult to get over the line.
Even after the forward formally notified United of his wish to leave, Liverpool's £110million bid was immediately rejected. The situation has become increasingly strained, with the relationship between player and club breaking down.
Eddie Howe omitted him from pre-season matches, and the Swedish international has since been training in isolation. He missed the Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa, where sections of his own fanbase branded the striker "greedy."
On Tuesday, the 25-year-old dropped a dramatic announcement, strongly implying he may never feature for the Magpies again, declaring that "promises have been broken" and "trust has been lost," arguing that the relationship "cannot continue."
Wijnaldum is one of several names to have moved directly from St James' Park to Merseyside, doing so back in 2016. Supporters at the time pleaded for him to stay, but following the club's relegation that summer, Liverpool snapped him up for £25m.
Gini Wijnaldum celebrates for Newcastle
Gini Wijnaldum spent just one season at Newcastle, but made a lasting impression
Now playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, the Dutchman became an essential part of Jurgen Klopp's midfield, lifting both the Champions League and Premier League - achievements Isak would no doubt love to emulate.
The midfielder insisted he had no regrets about leaving, though he credited his time in Newcastle with shaping his career and maintained he never forced an exit, unlike Isak is trying to do. Speaking to the Liverpool Echo before facing his old team in 2017, he explained: "I remember my last game for Newcastle in the pre-season when their fans were singing that they wanted me to stay.
"But when the opportunity came to play for a great club like Liverpool with such a great history I had to take it. I hope they understand why I made that choice to go to Liverpool.
Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool after signing his contract at Melwood Training Ground
Wijnaldum said he knew he had to join Liverpool when they came calling
"When the previous season at Newcastle ended, I said publicly that I wouldn't force a move. When Liverpool came in for me I made up my mind that I wanted to come here, but I wasn't going to force it because I appreciated what Newcastle and their fans did for me."
He continued: "It's always a special game when you play against your previous club. It was only one year at Newcastle but that time there meant a lot to me. I met some great people who helped me to play good games in the Premier League and it was because of them I got the move to Liverpool."
Despite these gracious reflections, some fans accused Wijnaldum of lacking fight and loyalty, similar to the perception of Isak as he actively agitates for a transfer away.
Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring a goal for Newcastle United
Isak could follow in Wijnaldum's footsteps
In contrast, though, Isak has enjoyed a much bigger role during his three campaigns at St James' Park. He has been one of the league's outstanding forwards and even scored in the Carabao Cup final, helping the club end their long wait for silverware.
In total, Wijnaldum made 40 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 11 goals. On his return to Tyneside with Liverpool, Wijnaldum hit the woodwork but otherwise failed to make much of an impression, facing jeers from the home faithful whenever the sides clashed.