Alan Shearer berates Alexander Isak with ‘loyalty’ comment during Aston Villa vs Newcastle
Alan Shearer tears into Alexander Isak as transfer saga overshadows Newcastle’s Premier League opener
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer did not mince his words when assessing the ongoing Alexander Isak saga during the Magpies’ Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa on Saturday.
The 25-year-old Swedish striker, who has become Newcastle’s talisman since arriving from Real Sociedad, was notably absent from Eddie Howe’s match-day squad at Villa Park. His omission came as little surprise given the growing uncertainty surrounding his future, with speculation intensifying over a possible record-breaking move away from St James’ Park.
Liverpool and Real Madrid circling
Liverpool have long been regarded as the frontrunners in the race to secure Isak’s signature. The Premier League champions lodged a sensational £110 million bid earlier this month, structured with add-ons, only to see Newcastle reject it. According to broadcaster Richard Keys, the Reds even returned with a revised offer, splitting the fee across two payments — £80m upfront and another £60m next summer.
“Take your pick,” Keys revealed, before adding another twist to the tale: “But I’ve also heard that Real Madrid might be in the frame.” The Spanish giants’ interest has only fuelled speculation that Newcastle face an uphill battle to keep hold of their star striker.
Howe stays diplomatic
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Eddie Howe addressed the situation with TNT Sports but chose his words carefully. The Newcastle boss refused to be drawn into speculation about whether he felt let down by the player’s stance.
“No different to how it has been for a number of weeks,” Howe said. “We are without him [Isak]. We are adapting to that and still trying to be competitive. Today will be a big test for us. Now is not the time to discuss that. All my emotions are towards this game. This is a tough place to come. We have got to be there mentally, me included.”
Howe’s calm and measured response stood in sharp contrast to the raw frustration expressed by Alan Shearer.
Shearer pulls no punches
Appearing on BBC Radio 5 Live, Shearer launched a stinging critique of Isak’s handling of the situation. The Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer, who carried Newcastle’s attack for over a decade, suggested that loyalty in football is now virtually extinct — both from clubs and players.
“Loyalty in football is a no-go, neither from clubs or players,” Shearer said. “Just look at Gianluigi Donnarumma and PSG this week. The form he was in last season, what he did to help PSG achieve their dream — and yet the club turned around and said, ‘We’re getting rid of you, we don’t fancy you anymore.’
“So, where’s the loyalty there? Clubs look after themselves, and players look after themselves, and I get that. But there’s still a way of doing things. The way Alex [Isak] is going about this at the moment is not the right way.”
Shearer’s words carry weight, not just because of his legendary status at St James’ Park but also because he has often spoken out on issues of professionalism and commitment. His criticism suggests a deep frustration that Newcastle’s marquee striker, a player who many saw as the cornerstone of their long-term project, may already have one foot out the door.
A touch of sarcasm
Adding a lighter — if pointed — touch to the debate, Shearer also took to social media on Friday to poke fun at the idea of any striker willingly joining Liverpool. He jokingly suggested that “any forward thinking about joining Liverpool will be having second thoughts now having to play second fiddle to the brilliant [Hugo] Ekitike,” referencing the Frenchman’s underwhelming reputation and Liverpool’s recent business in the transfer market.
A crossroads moment for Newcastle
For Newcastle, the Isak saga is more than just about one player. It is a litmus test of the club’s ambitions under their ambitious Saudi-backed ownership. Rejecting Liverpool’s nine-figure offer demonstrates resolve, but the looming presence of Real Madrid — a club that few players can say no to — casts serious doubt over how long the Magpies can realistically keep hold of their star striker.
Meanwhile, Shearer’s hard-hitting comments underline the frustration many fans are feeling: Newcastle fought their way back to the Champions League and want to build, not sell. But with Isak’s future hanging in the balance, the road ahead looks uncertain.
Would you like me to make this even more fan-focused (like an opinion piece aimed at Newcastle supporters reacting emotionally to Shearer’s comments), or keep it more neutral and journalistic in tone?