Alan Shearer claims Newcastle have sent a serious message to Isak’s teammates
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on the ongoing transfer storm surrounding Alexander Isak, praising the way his former club handled the situation. Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer admitted he was impressed by Newcastle’s measured stance, describing the club’s response as both calculated and necessary in order to protect their long-term ambitions.
“I thought it was a really measured, calculated statement from Newcastle,” Shearer said. “It wasn’t just about Isak – it sends out a message to everyone else in the squad as well. What happens if Tonali wants to leave next year, or Bruno decides he wants to go? If Newcastle simply gave in and let Isak walk away, it would set a dangerous precedent.”
The former Magpies striker went on to highlight the impact of the row on the rest of the squad. “It’s been a really messy situation,” he continued. “The players and Eddie Howe are the ones I feel sorry for. They’ve had nothing to do with this, yet they’re the ones scrapping for points every week while all the noise around Isak rumbles on in the background.”
Newcastle forced to take a stand
Shearer’s comments reflect the delicate balance Newcastle now face. After a summer of turbulence, the club is in a position where selling Isak simply isn’t an option. On one hand, there is no obvious replacement available on the market, especially this late in the transfer window. On the other, giving in to his demands would signal weakness at a time when Newcastle are trying to establish themselves among Europe’s elite.
If the club bowed to player pressure now, it could open the floodgates. Other stars would see that kicking up a fuss is all it takes to engineer a move away from St James’ Park. In a squad filled with ambitious talents like Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali, Newcastle cannot afford to create that kind of environment.
Instead, the club has made it clear: Isak may leave one day, but it will only be on their terms. He signed a long-term contract until 2028, and Newcastle intend to honour that agreement. Attempts were made to explore potential successors, with bids going in for Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, but those players chose other paths. That leaves Isak as central to Eddie Howe’s plans – and Newcastle won’t weaken themselves by selling him without the right replacement lined up.
A precedent for the future
Shearer believes the club’s response has reinforced an important principle: Newcastle United will not be bullied into decisions. By standing firm with Isak, they are sending a message to the dressing room, the fanbase, and potential suitors across Europe that they are no longer a selling club.
At the same time, the statement was not designed to shut the door completely. While Newcastle have been clear they will not cave, they have also left room for reconciliation. If no deal materialises before the transfer deadline – and with time running out, that looks increasingly likely – Isak may well have to return to the squad and reintegrate.
The ball is now in Isak’s court. Newcastle have drawn a line in the sand, and the Swedish striker will need to decide whether to mend fences or continue to push against a wall that doesn’t look like moving anytime soon.