Liverpool transfer news as Mark Clattenburg makes his strong feelings towards Alexander Isak clear
Mark Clattenburg referees
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg.
(Image: Jordan Peck/Getty Images)
Mark Clattenburg has echoed Alan Shearer in saying Liverpool target Alexander Isak should have submitted a formal transfer request this summer. The former Premier League referee also wants Newcastle United to take stronger measures to discipline their striker.
Isak's transfer saga is at deadlock as things stand. Newcastle stated they do not believe the conditions will be met for them to sell their star striker when they responded to his accusation that 'promises had been broken' behind the scenes.
The only certainty is that Isak wants a transfer amid strong interest from Liverpool, who had a £110m offer rejected before the 2025/26 campaign began.
But what the Swedish international has avoided doing for unknown reasons is submit a proper transfer request. Instead he has gone on strike so is training alone and not playing for Newcastle.
"It's time to get rid," former Premier League referee Clattenburg told the Whistleblowers podcast. "When I saw the fans at Aston Villa, that was a turning point for me.
"Now is the time to get him out – if a player doesn't want to play, get rid of him.
"Enough is enough. Isak signed a contract, he was happy with that contract. If he's that furious, why not put a transfer request in?"
Fellow Magpies supporter and former striker Shearer had also responded to Isak's statement by pointing out his belief Isak should have gone down the route of a transfer request.
The former professional had said: "As far as I’m aware he still hasn’t put in a written transfer request. Is there a reason for that?
"I don’t know whether it’s still the case that if you do that, you lose out financially because you don’t get bonuses. Is that a thing that he perhaps should look at? I don’t know.
"But whatever he’s doing and saying, and whoever’s advising him, for me, it’s not the right way."
Clattenburg continued his reaction to what has unfolded this week. He believes Newcastle need to punish Liverpool's top target harshly for refusing to honour his contract.
"Why have they not fined Isak two weeks wages already?" the referee asked.
"Liverpool created this situation: we could of have had Hugo Ekitike, and they would have gotten what they wanted. They wanted both – but, wouldn't we all?
"If we'd signed Ekitike – this situation wouldn't have happened."
And to conclude, Clattenburg believes Isak should look to former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as one example to handle transfer interest. The midfielder was a target of Jose Mourinho's admiration whilst at Chelsea in the 2000s, but resisted the opportunity he was presented.
"Fans can turn, but this has crossed a line', he added. "Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney never refused to play. Isak has refused to play."