Paul Merson talking about the Alexander Isak situation – This is excellent
Paul Merson on Alexander Isak’s Newcastle Stand-Off: “An Unbelievable Situation”
The storm surrounding Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle United shows no sign of settling, with the Swedish striker still training alone, far from the main group at the club’s training ground.
The saga intensified earlier this week after reports surfaced claiming Isak would refuse to play for the Magpies if the summer transfer window closes and he remains at St James’ Park.
For Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson, the whole affair is as extraordinary as it is disappointing. Speaking on 12 August 2025, the former Arsenal man didn’t hold back when assessing the player’s conduct, the risks involved, and the potential consequences.
> “It’s an unbelievable situation Alexander Isak has put himself in,” Merson began. “He’s taking a huge gamble by supposedly saying he’ll never play for Newcastle again. In a one-club city like Newcastle, football is everything – it’s a goldfish bowl. I wouldn’t want to be in his shoes if he doesn’t get his move. He’s upset a lot of fans with his actions.”
Merson argued that if Isak ends up staying, he’ll have to deliver on the pitch in spectacular fashion to win back the supporters. “If he doesn’t get away before the window closes, he’ll need to score serious goals just to get the fans back onside – and even then, some won’t forget. If he leaves now, he won’t be remembered as a hero.”
The pundit believes this entire episode could have been avoided had Isak taken a quieter, more professional approach. “Had he kept his head down, trained hard, and continued to give his all, he could still have earned a big-money move – giving Newcastle a huge profit while leaving on good terms. He played a massive role in their trophy success last season and could have been remembered fondly. Now, that chance has gone.”
—
“A Ridiculous Situation”
Merson went on to describe the affair as “totally ridiculous” – a symptom, in his view, of modern football’s imbalance of power between clubs and players.
> “It just shows you that the players hold all the cards now. Heads get turned, and once a player decides they want to go, that’s it. People were saying Isak wouldn’t leave – and now look. Newcastle win their first major trophy in decades, everything’s going well, and then bang – Isak throws a spanner in the works.”
Newcastle reportedly rejected an opening offer of £110 million plus add-ons from Liverpool, and Merson thinks that rejection – combined with Isak’s response – has left the club in a tricky position.
“After what’s been said and done, Liverpool have no reason to increase their bid. They know Newcastle don’t want an unhappy player. Maybe Isak thought a £110m bid would be enough to seal his exit, but when Newcastle held firm, he decided to force the issue by saying he wouldn’t play again.”
The timing, Merson suggested, is also telling. “He probably expected the move to happen without needing to push it this far. Now, not only is he not leaving as a hero, but he’s also set to miss games against Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Leeds if Newcastle don’t sell. If Newcastle lose two of those matches, they’re in trouble before the season has even got going.”
—
“The Club That Put Him on the Map”
For Merson, the saddest part of the situation is the disregard for Newcastle’s role in Isak’s rise.
> “This is the club that put him on the map. Yes, he was a good player before he came here, but how many people around the world really knew about him? Newcastle made him a global name, helped him achieve that status, and this is how it’s ending.”
He argued that patience could have served Isak far better. “If he had just kept quiet, trained with the team, and let things take their natural course, the transfer would have happened sooner or later. Liverpool wouldn’t have suddenly lost interest – he’s not a one-season wonder. Players of his quality will always attract attention.
“All he needed to do was stay professional, score goals when picked, and eventually he could have left on his terms, with his reputation intact. Instead, the legacy he built at St James’ Park is at risk. For a player who helped deliver their first silverware in decades, that’s a real shame.”
—
The Isak situation has become a test of will between club and player – and with three years still remaining on his lucrative contract, Newcastle theoretically hold the stronger hand. But as Merson points out, in the modern game, that doesn’t always count for much.
Whether Isak gets his Liverpool move or is forced to stay, one thing is certain – the relationship between him and large sections of the Newcastle fanbase may never be the same again.