Alexander Isak has been at the centre of a transfer saga this summer, with the striker refusing to play for Newcastle as he looks to force through a move to Liverpool
12:50, 29 Aug 2025
Alan Shearer meets Alexander Isak.
Alan Shearer made Isak uncomfortable with one question(Image: BBC Sport)
Alexander Isak's uncomfortable reaction spoke volumes when Alan Shearer quizzed him about penning a long-term deal at Newcastle.
For weeks, the main transfer headline has been the constant speculation linking Isak with a move away, with numerous theories guessing the outcome of the ongoing saga. Very few could have foreseen that the Newcastle forward, who ended the club's silverware drought in March by scoring the decisive goal in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool, would be so desperate to quit St James' Park for a direct rival.
Amidst the swirling rumours, Isak was omitted from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia and became the target of a £110million bid from Liverpool earlier this month, which was promptly rejected. Since that point, the 25-year-old has avoided training with his team-mates and is declining to feature for Newcastle as he attempts to force through a dream move to Anfield.
His behaviour, which included releasing a statement claiming the club had "broken promises and trust," has attracted condemnation from club legend Shearer and supporters alike. In fact, before all of this trouble started, the ex-Premier League icon tried to put Isak on the spot when it came to committing his future to Newcastle - and this could well have been the warning sign fans needed.
In a BBC Sport interview with Shearer earlier this year, Isak looked uncomfortable when the retired footballer said: "We've seen recent big name centre-forwards sign long contracts."
Alan Shearer meets Alexander Isak.
The Swedish striker danced around the question(Image: BBC Sport)
Isak responded with a nod and an awkward, "Yeah," before Shearer added: "You know what's coming next." However, Isak's response was telling as he didn't commit to his future at Newcastle. "Yeah we'll see, obviously you never know," he said, avoiding eye contact.
This hinted that even seven months ago, the striker may have been contemplating a move away from Newcastle, possibly picturing himself at another club.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Everton FC at St James' Park on May 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Isak is looking for the exit at Newcastle(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Now it seems he's one step closer to fulfilling that ambition as Newcastle are reportedly close to securing 23-year-old German striker Nick Woltemade. The Magpies are believed to be finalising a £65m deal for the Stuttgart forward.
Following this transfer news, it appears Isak could well be heading for the exit door before the transfer window shuts.
Article continues below
This could pave the way for Liverpool to make a move for Isak, given that one of the conditions for his departure was finding a suitable signing first. However, Woltemade is viewed as a replacement for the already departed Callum Wilson, so there's still more work to be done.
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here