Liverpool Legend Stuns Fans with Shocking Take on Alexander Isak's Blockbuster Move
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher criticized the behavior displayed by Alexander Isak that enabled his departure from Newcastle United, cautioning that this summer's transfer rebels have established a concerning pattern for future dealings.
Isak wasn't the only player to down tools. Yoane Wissa publicly expressed his wish to exit Brentford before ultimately securing his switch to Newcastle, while Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres received punishment from Sporting CP after missing pre-season training obligations earlier this summer.
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi remarkably kept featuring for the Eagles only to witness his potential Liverpool transfer fall through during the closing moments of Transfer Deadline Day. Carragher contended that the achievements of players who forced their departures would encourage others to adopt similar tactics in coming windows.
"When you examine Guéhi, who behaved exceptionally well and remains beloved by Palace fans with his manager also praising him," the analyst told Sky Sports News. "He'll need to wait perhaps until January or the following summer for that transfer opportunity.
"Future players facing similar circumstances will observe how Isak and Wissa handled their situations and how that approach provides them better chances of securing moves—which would represent a disappointing development for football. I don't believe either player's conduct has been exemplary.
"I have no problem with players seeking departures from clubs—transfers occur and represent a fundamental aspect of the sport. It's reasonable that both individuals wanted to progress and join larger institutions to enhance their career prospects and increase their chances of winning trophies, or perhaps earn higher wages.
"However, I can't escape the feeling that when someone is depositing thousands of pounds into your account weekly, you should be training and competing.
"But would either player have secured their moves without taking that approach?" Carragher questioned. "That remains unclear. Both individuals haven't achieved their desired outcomes, so they must move forward from that. We'll observe how things develop for both players at Liverpool and Newcastle respectively."
In a different perspective, Carragher rejected claims that Liverpool's inability to complete Guéhi's signing would be crucial in their Premier League title defense.
"There was considerable discussion recently suggesting Marc Guéhi was more vital than acquiring Isak, but I completely disagree with that assessment," the former defender stated. "Liverpool possessed just one central striker—they absolutely needed to purchase a forward, regardless of whether it was Isak or another player.
"Liverpool have sufficient depth at centre-back. The question simply concerns whether they possess the necessary quality."