Newcastle United have previously lost their star player to Liverpool - albeit under drastically different circumstances.
Gini Wijnaldum has shut down ESPN after old comments resurfaced regarding his switch from Newcastle United to Liverpool.
The news outlet posted quotes that the Dutchman made following his move to the Reds in 2016. Toon fans will remember Wijnaldum leaving Newcastle to join Liverpool following relegation nine years ago.
Fast forward to the present and Newcastle’s current star man is also angling for an Anfield move. Alexander Isak has downed tools, having not kicked a ball for the Magpies since May.
Alexander Isak saga
The Swede broke his silence in midweek to condemn Newcastle for what he perceives as broken promises. This provoked an instant statement from the club - disputing claims that Isak was promised a move this summer.
Eddie Howe stayed diplomatic on the transfer saga when grilled by reporters on Friday. He said: “He's contracted to us, he's our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday night with us.
“But he won't be and that's regrettable. I have no doubt about how the players will feel. They will feel the same way I do.
“Alex is a fantastic player, he's a good person, a good character and a good lad. If Alex wanted to come back and play for us, the players would welcome him."
Gini Wijnaldum comments
An Instagram post from ESPN resurfaced comments that Wijnaldum made in 2016. He said at the time: "When the previous season ended, I said 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."
The midfielder - who now plays in the Saudi Pro League - responded after feeling the post unfairly linked him to the current Isak saga. Wijnaldum wrote: “This is something I said almost 10 years ago before my move to Liverpool.
“Why do you post it like it’s my opinion about Isak his decision? This is something between Isak and Newcastle/Liverpool, please keep me out of it. Thank you.”
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Alexander Isak statement in full
“I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024-25. First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.I'm not at the ceremony tonight.
“With everything going on, it didn't feel right to be there. I’ve stayed 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 now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
“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. Alexander Isak.”
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