JUST IN: Alan Shearer tells Liverpool they ‘wouldn’t get Dan Burn’ for £110m and advises Newcastle what to do about Isak
Liverpool Closely Monitoring Alexander Isak’s Situation as Newcastle Search for Replacement Intensifies
Liverpool are biding their time in the transfer market as they await developments regarding Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who has emerged as a primary target for the Reds. The Anfield club is prepared to pounce, but only if the Magpies are able to secure a suitable replacement for their star forward.
Isak, who joined Newcastle in 2022 and has since established himself as one of the most clinical forwards in the Premier League, is high on Liverpool’s radar as they look to strengthen their attacking options. However, Newcastle have so far refused to entertain offers for the Swedish international, insisting he remains a key part of their plans — at least publicly.
Behind the scenes, though, there’s growing belief that Isak may have already played his final game in a black-and-white shirt. The 24-year-old has sparked controversy with his recent actions, choosing not to join the squad for their pre-season tour. Instead, he opted to train alone in Spain with his former club, Real Sociedad — a move that has not gone down well with Newcastle supporters or club officials.
With tensions rising and the forward seemingly pushing for a move, Newcastle are now in a race against time to bring in a replacement. Their top target is RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško, a highly-rated Slovenian talent who is also attracting significant interest from Manchester United. If the Magpies can win the race for Šeško’s signature, Liverpool may finally be given the green light to make their move for Isak.
Reports suggest that if Šeško chooses Newcastle over United, the Isak transfer could quickly gather momentum. Liverpool are said to be confident in their ability to land the striker, but they are aware that the situation remains delicately poised and contingent on several moving parts.
Meanwhile, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on the situation for the first time, offering a measured and pragmatic perspective on the unfolding saga. Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, Shearer shared his thoughts on the Isak situation, urging Newcastle to make the best decision for the club — even if that means letting the Swede go.
“They wouldn’t get Dan Burn for £110 million, let alone Isak!” joked Shearer, before offering a more sober reflection. “I thought he might stay for another year and then maybe this happens next summer. But if he really wants to leave and someone meets the club’s valuation, then you say thank you for the memories and move on.”
Despite the disappointment surrounding Isak’s apparent desire to depart, Shearer made it clear he holds no animosity toward the striker. “I’m not angry at all with him,” he said. “I understand the game, I’ve been there. If he’s made his mind up, then there’s no sense in keeping a player who doesn’t want to be at the club. You take the money, reinvest, and build again.”
Shearer, a club icon and still Newcastle’s all-time leading scorer, emphasized the importance of acting decisively and sensibly, suggesting that Newcastle’s best course of action may be to cash in now while Isak’s market value is at its peak.
His comments are likely to resonate with supporters who are torn between frustration over Isak’s conduct and the reality of modern football, where player power and big-money moves are increasingly the norm. The key, according to Shearer, is for Newcastle to act swiftly — securing a suitable replacement like Šeško before sanctioning Isak’s sale.
With just weeks left in the transfer window, the saga involving Isak, Newcastle, and Liverpool could yet define the summer for all three clubs. One thing is certain: the next move from either camp will be pivotal, not only for the future of Alexander Isak but also for the strategic direction of both Liverpool and Newcastle United heading into the new Premier League season.