Alexander Isak has been accused of changing his behaviour amid his ongoing transfer tussle between Liverpool and Newcastle, with a potentially record-breaking deal hanging in the balance
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak warming up before the match during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Birmingham City and Newcastle United at St Andrew's at Knighthead Park on February 08, 2025 in Birmingham, England.
Alexander Isak has been pushing for a move to Liverpool(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Fredrik Ljungberg believes Alexander Isak has acted completely out of character in his attempts to engineer a move to Liverpool. The 25-year-old Swede is at the centre of a tense tug-of-war between the Reds and Newcastle, who remain adamant Isak isn't for sale.
The Magpies have placed a £150million valuation on their star striker and have insisted that replacements must arrive before any deal could be considered, let alone sanctioned. Liverpool tested their resolve with a £110m offer earlier in the window, but the bid was immediately turned down.
Eddie Howe's side have been trying to source replacements for Isak all summer, but their transfer plans have been consistently hampered - including, ironically enough, by Liverpool, who successfully hijacked their move for Hugo Ekitike last month.
Isak's frustration has since boiled over: he has allegedly refused to take part in training sessions and issued a statement accusing the club of "broken promises". He also hinted he will refuse to play for Newcastle in an attempt to force a sale.
He has sat out the team's opening two Premier League fixtures, including Monday's 3-2 defeat to Liverpool. Newcastle battled back from 2-0 down despite having 10 men following Anthony Gordon's red card, but 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha came off the bench to score a stunning late winner in second-half stoppage time.
The Isak saga has sparked criticism across football circles, with Premier League legends of all shapes and sizes weighing in. Arsenal icon Ljungberg admitting that his countryman's behaviour had surprised him, saying on Viaplay: "I don't think it's a good situation for anyone. Especially Isak. He's a humble guy, which I like, off the pitch.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates
Liverpool are still hoping to get a deal for Alexander Isak done before the window slams shut
"What's happening is something that doesn't feel like Isak. Something is wrong. Something very bad has happened. There's more behind it. He wants to force himself away. It's a difficult situation."
Manchester United great Peter Schmeichel echoed Ljungberg's words, blaming poor guidance from Isak's agent. "It's like you say, Fredrik, this doesn't feel like Isak. I have a feeling that he has received very, very bad advice. If he had a good agent, they would have written a clause that helps the player leave."
Despite not being close personally, Ljungberg has long praised Isak's talent. The striker matched his record as Sweden's highest Premier League scorer earlier this year with 48 goals, and Ljungberg even called him "extremely special" last season.
Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk compete for the ball
Isak is adamant he has played his last game for Newcastle
Last week, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer shared the same concerns Schmeichel has, accusing the player's agent, Vlado Lemic, of mishandling his client. He urged Isak to "sack his agent on the spot" after relying on a so-called gentleman's agreement without securing a release clause in his contract. "What a f***ing mess his agent has made of this," Shearer said.
Isak's six-year deal, signed in 2022, contains no exit clause. Reports suggest he was previously given verbal assurances by ex-Newcastle chief Amanda Staveley over a new contract or potential transfer flexibility, but ownership changes ended those talks.
Ahead of Monday's match, Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and a PIF delegation were said to have visited Isak at his home in an attempt to convince him to stay. The club are hopeful he will return to training and, if he commits, may revisit improved contract terms.
Still, according to fresh reports, Isak has stood firm: he remains intent on joining Liverpool and is willing to stay on strike until the transfer is secured.