Alexander Isak does not feel this ugly Newcastle United transfer saga should come as a surprise.
Isak has asked to leave Newcastle United this summer amid interest from Liverpool.
The striker is said to have grown disillusioned at Newcastle, given a lack of progress off the pitch in terms of a new training ground or an improved contract following his fine form.
Indeed, Isak did not travel on the club’s pre-season tour of Asia with what is being described as a “minor thigh injury”.
Liverpool want to sign Isak and are reportedly readying a huge bid for his services. The Sweden international, however, still has three years on his contract remaining and Newcastle don’t want to sell him.
It is a damaging saga for the club, but Isak reportedly doesn’t feel it should surprise anyone.
- Who is Alexander Isak? The striker who burned his Newcastle United reputation to force £125m Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak knew he was leaving Newcastle United ahead of last season
According to The Athletic, people close to Isak’s thinking say the club were repeatedly told last season would be his last at St James’ Park.
Chelsea were interested in Isak in 2024 during Newcastle’s PSR scramble that almost saw Anthony Gordon join Liverpool.
Both players ended up staying of course and while Gordon did struggle to scale previous heights, Eddie Howe’s side enjoyed a remarkable campaign.
Isak scored 27 goals in 42 games as Newcastle won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League.
While the player publicly claimed he was happy on Tyneside when speaking earlier this year, that may not have been the case.
The report suggests that Newcastle were told Isak wanted to move to a club where he could realistically win the biggest trophies on offer last year.
Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak decision will define the club for a while
Sadly for Isak and his agents, it’s not up to him when the player is sold.
If the club cash in, it has to be on their terms. Newcastle value Isak at around £150million and, unless those terms are met, selling would be a disaster.
There are obvious financial benefits in selling Isak, but the club have done little to convince supporters they are capable of signing an adequate replacement this summer.
If PIF are bullied into selling Isak this summer, it sets a dangerous precedent. The vultures could soon circle and other top players in the Newcastle United squad know they will be sold too if they kick up enough fuss, even if it’s against the club’s will.
What happens next will tell us so much about Newcastle United going forward.
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