Newcastle Legend Blasts Alexander Isak Amid Explosive Liverpool Transfer Rumors
Former Newcastle United striker and Premier League icon Alan Shearer expressed strong opinions about his old club and forward Alexander Isak following speculation linking the player with Liverpool.
Isak, regarded as one of the most coveted talents in the division, dominated summer transfer discussions when rumors emerged of a potential departure from St. James's Park. Liverpool reportedly made an offer worth approximately £120 million ($158.6 million) for the Swedish international, which Newcastle turned down. This bid allegedly frustrated the Carabao Cup winners.
Shearer, appearing to accept that Isak's eventual exit seems inevitable, voiced criticism toward both the striker's involvement in the transfer speculation and the club's overall transfer business.
"I anticipated this might occur next season, and if Eddie truly cannot convince him to stay and he refuses, which appears to be the situation, I prefer he leaves immediately. You secure substantial funds from whoever is willing to pay that amount, bring in replacements - ideally beforehand - and then progress," Shearer commented on The Rest is Football podcast.
"As I mentioned, no single player is greater than any football institution, and if his heart isn't there, fine, take what you can get, show him the door, and say farewell for the good times." Shearer proceeded to label the entire transfer period as 'catastrophic' for his former team. Newcastle recently acquired ex-Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Southampton while finalizing a transfer for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.
Speculation about Isak will likely persist until the window closes as Eddie Howe voiced worries about the player rejoining the squad. Isak has reportedly returned to Newcastle following separate training sessions and is scheduled to discuss matters with the manager, per Sky Sports.
Newcastle have been connected with potential replacements this summer, notably RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško. The Magpies face rivalry from Manchester United in pursuing the Slovenian striker. They were also associated with Hugo Ekitiké before Liverpool intervened and secured the French attacker's signature.