UNBELIEVABLE! Alexander Isak agreement reached as Liverpool transfer target told ‘it serves you right’
Alexander Isak’s Liverpool Transfer Saga Divides Football World
The ongoing will-he, won’t-he saga involving Alexander Isak’s potential move from Newcastle United to Liverpool is showing no signs of cooling down. Reports suggest that the Swedish striker remains determined to swap St James’ Park for Anfield in what could be a British-record transfer fee.
This stand-off has left Newcastle United supporters split — though many are furious at the 24-year-old’s summer-long push to force his way out of Tyneside. His absence from the club’s pre-season tour and his subsequent isolation from first-team training have further fuelled tensions, tarnishing the reputation he built over two stellar seasons with the Magpies.
Since arriving from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has been nothing short of sensational, playing a crucial role in back-to-back Champions League qualifications and establishing himself as one of the game’s most clinical centre-forwards. Yet, his refusal to integrate with the squad in recent weeks has drawn criticism from pundits and ex-professionals alike — though a handful have expressed sympathy for his position.
Ally McCoist: “You can’t sign a contract and then throw the toys out”
Former Sunderland striker and now pundit Ally McCoist has sided firmly with Newcastle’s board. With Isak still having three years left on his contract, McCoist believes the club are under no obligation to sell unless their valuation is met — and that the player has brought much of the backlash upon himself.
“I think he’s acted poorly,” McCoist told Mirror Sport. “When you sign a contract, you do so because you’re happy with it. You can’t enjoy the good times and then, when it suits, demand a move and sulk if you don’t get it. Newcastle fans in particular won’t forgive that sort of behaviour.”
Alan Pardew: Newcastle hold all the cards
Alan Pardew, who famously led Newcastle to European football in 2012, believes the club are right to stand firm. Speaking on talkSPORT, he accused Isak’s representatives of giving him terrible advice.
“The transfer looks dead for now because Newcastle will dig their heels in — and they’re right to,” Pardew said. “He’s handled it badly, and his advisors have told him to effectively hold the club to ransom. That’s not the way to treat a team that’s given you so much.”
Gabby Agbonlahor: “He should be punished”
Ex-Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor took an even harder line, arguing that Isak must face consequences for refusing to join Newcastle’s pre-season tour and allegedly training with his former club, Real Sociedad.
“If he waltzes straight back into the squad like nothing’s happened, it sets a bad example,” Agbonlahor said. “He should be punished — otherwise it tells other players they can do the same.”
Shaun Wright-Phillips: Understands when a player “outgrows” a team
Former Manchester City and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips struck a more understanding tone. Drawing from his own experience, he suggested that sometimes a player simply outgrows their surroundings.
“I’ve seen this before,” Wright-Phillips explained. “When a player’s ambitions outstrip what the team can achieve, problems arise. It happened with Steven Gerrard at Liverpool — but he stayed because of his love for the club. If Isak doesn’t feel that same tie, it’s understandable he might want to move on.”
Michael Owen: Not an unusual situation
Former England and Liverpool striker Michael Owen was one of the few pundits to downplay the drama, describing it as a common situation in football.
“This happens all the time — it’s just getting more attention because of who Isak is and the price involved,” Owen said. “Newcastle have to weigh up keeping an unhappy player against accepting a huge offer. It’s nothing out of the ordinary.”
Alan Shearer: Sell if the price is right
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history, took a pragmatic approach. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, he said that if the player can’t be persuaded to stay, and Liverpool meet Newcastle’s £150m valuation, then a sale might be the best outcome.
“You thank him for the memories and move on,” Shearer stated. “It’s been a disappointing transfer window already, but if he’s made his mind up, it’s hard to change it.”
The road ahead
As the transfer deadline looms, Newcastle are faced with a difficult decision: cash in now for a record fee and attempt to find a late replacement, or hold their ground and risk keeping an unhappy talisman. Liverpool’s willingness to meet Newcastle’s asking price will be key, but until then, the standoff continues — and the football world will keep debating whether Isak’s actions are ambition, betrayal, or simply business.