Alexander Isak is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to force through a move to Liverpool, with a potentially record-breaking transfer hanging in the balance
Alexander Isak looking through the net
Alexander Isak flat-out refused a transfer despite knowing about a buy-back clause
(Image: Getty Images)
Alexander Isak has a history of standing his ground. The Newcastle forward is currently pushing for a move to Liverpool, with the possibility of a record-breaking transfer on the line, and could look to his past for inspiration.
Newcastle are holding firm on their £150million price tag - a figure that Liverpool are reluctant to match. In an attempt to sway the situation, Isak is said to be refusing to play for the Magpies, a tough stance reminiscent of his Real Sociedad days.
When he transferred there from Borussia Dortmund, Isak was adamant about not returning to the Westfalenstadion, despite the Bundesliga club having a buy-back option. "I have no intention of going back there," he insisted in 2020.
"All I can say is that Dortmund is in my past and not in my future. I feel very comfortable where I am and have no intention of going back there. My only focus now is Real Sociedad."
His resolute attitude underscores his determination and ambition - traits that are now apparent in his eagerness to swap Tyneside for Merseyside. Isak burst onto the scene in 2016 when Dortmund snapped him up from Swedish outfit AIK as one of the hottest young prospects in Europe.
Despite the expectations, his time in Germany was challenging, with just one goal in 13 outings for BVB. In 2019, he moved to Real Sociedad for a mere £5m, and it was there that his career truly took off.
Isak at Real Sociedad
Isak's career took off at Real Sociedad(Image: Getty)
Isak not only netted 16 goals in all competitions during his first season but also played a crucial role in securing the Copa del Rey - the club's first major trophy in over 30 years. Speculation about a move back to Dortmund was rife that summer, but Isak stood firm: he had no plans to return.
This year, Newcastle have encountered the same stubborn determination, with the 25-year-old not just making his stance clear but also taking drastic measures to push for a transfer. Following Liverpool's initial £110m offer for the Swedish striker being turned down earlier in the transfer window, it emerged that Isak is refusing to play for the club and is threatening to continue this boycott even if a transfer doesn't go ahead.
Consequently, he has been training alone and was notably absent from the Magpies' Premier League opener against [Aston Villa](https:// https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc) last weekend. He was also left out of the club's pre-season tour of Asia.
Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool are still in the hunt for Isak, but hopes of a transfer are dwindling
On Tuesday, he took things up a notch by releasing a blistering statement on Instagram, announcing that his time with Newcastle "cannot continue." However, the club has responded with equal tenacity.
Shortly after, Newcastle released a strong counter-statement, reiterating their position that Isak is not for sale and affirming that he will be welcomed back into the team once he ends his self-imposed exile. Liverpool have signalled they won't make another bid unless Newcastle relax their demands, casting a veil of uncertainty over the entire affair.
Isak, having seemingly alienated both his club and its supporters, is anticipated to continue agitating for a transfer to Anfield. However, with Newcastle resolute and refusing to be coerced into a bargain sale, the likelihood of a deal being finalised appears to be dwindling.
Throughout his career, Isak has seldom been one to shy away from a challenge. Yet, with three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park and Newcastle demonstrating no willingness to capitulate, this may be a fight he's forced to back down from.