Andy Gray believes Newcastle United fans have nothing to complain about regarding the Alexander Isak saga given Yoane Wissa’s situation at Brentford.
Isak wants to leave Newcastle amid interest from Liverpool and will not be involved against the Reds on Monday night, having already missed the draw away at Aston Villa this season.
Wissa is in a similar situation. The DR Congo international wants to leave Brentford amid interest from Newcastle, who have seen an offer worth around £40million rejected by the west London club.
There are certainly similarities between the two, although nuance must be applied. Wissa reportedly feels as if Brentford said he could leave this summer, while Newcastle have denied ever telling Isak that he could go.
However, pundit Gray thinks Toon fans cannot be too annoyed at Isak given the Wissa saga.
Alexander Isak claps the Newcastle United fans after drawing with Bournemouth.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Andy Gray tells Newcastle United not to moan about Alexander Isak
The former Scotland striker was responding to a question from beIN Sports host Richard Keys during their coverage of the Premier League on Saturday.
Discussing Brentford’s hopes for the season, Keys asked Gray if he had “sympathy for Newcastle given that Isak’s head?”
While Gray suggested that he had some degree of sympathy, Keys then followed that up by asking: “Do you have sympathy for Brentford that Newcastle have turned Wissa’s head?”
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Gray responded: “It’s the same thing.
“So Newcastle fans really don’t have anything to argue about. If their team are doing something to Wissa that somebody is doing to one of their players, then what’s the difference?”
Keys then responded: “None.”
Brentford drop Yoane Wissa hint as striker still optimistic on Newcastle move
Wissa is still hoping to sign for Newcastle and was left out of the Brentford squad who beat Aston Villa on Saturday.
After the game, manager Keith Andrews said (via The Herald): “I felt it was right for the group.
“We needed a group today that was absolutely committed to showing what we’re about. Identity, what this club is and how it’s been built. I felt it was the right decision not to include Yoane today.”
The 28-year-old’s conduct is hardly worthy of applause. Indeed, Alan Shearer has criticised Wissa for his behaviour.
It’s easy to see why onlookers would compare Wissa and Isak right now. Neither player is covering himself in glory.
There is a difference, however slight. If Wissa feels as if Brentford have previously allowed him to leave, then that’s the main one.