The Alexander Isak saga is over and Newcastle United can finally move on.
In the end, player power won out. Liverpool signed Isak, while Newcastle signed Yoane Wissa.
Both players forced an exit and eventually got their way. Quite how much of an impact that has on transfer windows going forward remains to be seen.
Newcastle released a blunt statement on Isak, while Brentford did something similar when confirming that Wissa had left.
It has been a draining transfer window, perhaps unlike any other.
Still, it’s over now. The story has dominated the news agenda for what feels like an age, with Isak’s behaviour forcing the club’s hand.
Indeed, more claims have now come out.
Newcastle United star furious with Alexander Isak
According to The Daily Mail, meetings about the Isak saga caused quite the reaction at the training ground.
They claim that some senior players were angered by the forward’s conduct.
It’s even added that one player had to be “calmed down” by a compatriot of his after the team met to discuss the subject of the saga, given that particular player’s strength of feeling about honouring the Newcastle United badge.
Alexander Isak has launched one final dig at Newcastle United
Isak’s first interview as a Liverpool player appeared to aim something of a dig at Newcastle.
He claimed that he was looking forward to getting “back” to work, which feels very rich indeed.
“I’m just happy it’s done and that I can get back to work,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing my teammates and the fans, and getting back out there.”
Isak, after all, is the one who put himself into exile. While he can hardly be blamed for wanting to leave a football club, the manner in which he has done so has been little short of shocking.
It’s a shame it ended like this. Isak may feel his conduct was justified and whatever role Liverpool had in the matter, their strategy clearly worked.
Newcastle will move on but even time does not heal some wounds.
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