Alexander Isak's desire to join Liverpool has been the story of the transfer window, but one of his compatriots believes something may be wrong on the striker's side
12:54, 27 Aug 2025Updated 12:59, 27 Aug 2025
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 11: Alexander Isak of Newcastle United in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Chelsea FC at St James' Park on May 11, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
The transfer saga around Alexander Isak is still ongoing(Image: Stu Forster, Getty Images)
Arsenal legend Freddie Ljungberg believes Alexander Isak has not been behaving like himself while trying to force through a switch to Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Swede is in the midst of an intense battle between the Reds and Newcastle United, with the Magpies insisting Isak will not be sold. The Tyneside club have slapped a £150million price tag on their prized frontman and have made it clear that suitable replacements must be secured before any transfer will be entertained.
Liverpool tested the waters with a £110m bid earlier in the window, but the offer was swiftly rejected. Eddie Howe's squad have been scrambling to find alternatives for Isak, but their recruitment efforts have been repeatedly thwarted, with Liverpool themselves snapping up Hugo Ekitike from under their noses last month.
Isak's exasperation saw him release a public statement accusing his club of "broken promises," after allegedly telling them he will never appear in a Newcastle shirt again. Looking back on the saga, Ljungberg admitted he is worried about the way Isak has conducted himself.
He told 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. 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."
The striker has been absent from the team's first two Premier League matches, including Monday's thrilling 3-2 loss to Liverpool. Newcastle mounted a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down despite being reduced to 10 men after Anthony Gordon's dismissal, but 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha emerged from the substitutes' bench to net a breath-taking winner deep into added time.
Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk compete for the ball
Isak is angling for a move to Liverpool before the transfer window closes(Image: Getty Images)
As well as Ljungberg, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel also mirrored Ljungberg's sentiments, pointing the finger at poor counsel from Isak's representative. The Dane replied: "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."
Though not personally close, Ljungberg has consistently championed Isak's abilities. The striker equalled his record as Sweden's top Premier League goalscorer earlier this year with 48 goals, with Ljungberg even dubbing him "extremely special" last season.
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.
Isak is yet to play in the Premier League this season(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Last week, Newcastle icon Alan Shearer voiced identical worries to Schmeichel's, pointing blame at the player's representative, Vlado Lemic, for bungling his client's affairs. He implored Isak to "sack his agent on the spot" for the "f***ing mess" that has emerged as a result of depending on a so-called gentleman's agreement instead of a release clause.
Isak's six-year contract, inked in 2022, doesn't include an exit clause. It's been suggested that ex-Newcastle chief Amanda Staveley had verbally promised him a new deal or the possibility of transfer flexibility, but those discussions were halted due to changes in ownership.
Before Monday's game, it was reported Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and a delegation from the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund paid Isak a visit at his residence in a bid to persuade him to stay.
The club are optimistic he will return to training and, if he agrees, they may consider revising his contract terms. However, recent reports indicate Isak is holding his ground and may continue his strike until the transfer is finalised.
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