BBC journalist Ian Dennis has weighed in on Alexander Isak’s intentions to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool this summer.
After the promise of an exciting transfer window in May, the story of the summer has undoubtedly been the future of Alexander Isak.
The 25-year-old is not currently playing for Newcastle United after confirming his intentions to explore his options away from the Premier League side this summer. After lots of speculation and numerous reports, Isak released a statement confirming he wants to leave Newcastle, saying that promises have been broken from the club’s side.
Newcastle released their own statement in turn, saying that there are particular obligations which need to be met before the Swedish international can be sold, though it does not look as though they will be met.
Isak is training away from Newcastle’s first team squad while the transfer speculation is ever-present, and it is common knowledge that Liverpool are seriously interested. With reports of a second bid from Liverpool inbound, Ian Dennis has explained why Isak is likely to have played his final game for Newcastle.
Alexander Isak celebrates after scoring in a Premier League game between Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
Alexander Isak criticised by Ian Dennis over Newcastle United transfer stance
Isak has lost the support of many pundits in recent weeks. Wayne Rooney said he should not be welcome back at Newcastle, while club legend Alan Shearer was visibly frustrated at Isak’s statement.
Now, BBC journalist Dennis has given his verdict on the situation, questioning why a transfer request has not been submitted if he is so eager for the move.
“Alexander Isak has behaved like a spoilt child and I think he wants his cake and he wants to eat it,” he said on The Commentator’s View.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
“And I think he’s shown a great level of disrespect to Newcastle United and, in particular, the supporters who’ve idolised him.
“He’s tarnished his reputation. I can’t understand, if he wants the move as badly as it would appear, why has he not handed in a transfer request?
“And we know the reasons why, because of the financial ramifications that he would forsake if that was to happen.
“But I just think that he’s been badly advised and I wouldn’t at all be surprised if after that (Newcastle v Liverpool) game, he goes for somewhere in the region of £130m, that the deal is done.
“I just, I can’t see a way for him to stay. I think it would be irretrievable now.
“The situation after his statement and what Newcastle have said, if it doesn’t happen, but I think it will, but if it doesn’t happen, then good luck with trying to reintegrate him back into the squad.”
The Alexander Isak situation needs to be resolved as a matter of urgency
It goes without saying, but Isak has not played his transfer saga well at all. The 25-year-old has completely lost the trust of the Newcastle fans and has given himself a reputation which other clubs will take note of in the future.
Even if Liverpool do not sign him this summer, they have unsettled Isak to the point where he is becoming a burden to the Magpies. A resolution to the situation must be found, and ideally, before the transfer window closes.
Newcastle cannot afford to have a player as good as Isak digging his heels in over a move after this month, as it would then put their hopes of a positive season under threat.
The belief is that two strikers need to be signed before Isak is allowed to go, a task which feels very tough to complete given how long there is left in the transfer window.
Newcastle are still hopeful of signing Yoane Wissa from Brentford, but he would not be a replacement for Isak, so work must be done on Tyneside. The situation is far from ideal, especially with Champions League football on the horizon.