Newcastle ‘must accept £120m for Isak’ from Liverpool, he does not want to stay
Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak is set to drag out for the rest of the transfer window, but the ball is firmly in their court.
The Reds expressed an interest in the striker earlier in the window, and Liverpool had a bid of around £110million rejected by Newcastle.
Isak is currently refusing to play for Newcastle and is not training with the rest of his teammates, as he is eager for the move to materialise.
Many Newcastle fans are displeased with the forward, but also do not want to see him sold to Liverpool; this now appears to be the best course of action.
Isak unwilling to stay at Newcastle
Newcastle have a decision to make, with Liverpool keen on signing Isak but not yet offering their valuation of around £150m.
Isak being on strike means that if he does not leave in this transfer window, Newcastle could end up with an unhappy player on their hands, with no replacement.
| Stat | Alexander Isak |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Goals | 27 |
| Assists | 6 |
If Liverpool end up buying Isak, then Newcastle can use the funds to strengthen several positions within the squad, and this is a view shared by former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara.
“Why would you want a player who’s not happy?” O’Hara stated on Sky Sports News.
“He’s not happy; he doesn’t want to be there. Sell him on. Get £120m, or whatever Liverpool have offered, take the money and go and buy yourself three decent players.
“You’ve got a player there, who doesn’t want to be there, and doesn’t want to play for Newcastle, and whether you like that or not, or it’s harsh, that’s the reality. He doesn’t want to play for you.”
Liverpool handed red flags over Isak
Isak is one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and he would be a statement signing for Liverpool, but there are now a few red flags over a deal.
His messy situation at Newcastle has meant that he has not trained or featured in pre-season, and he will be lacking in match sharpness if he does join the Reds.
This, coupled with Isak’s worrying injury record, could spell disaster if he is rushed into action, but with Hugo Ekitike impressing for Liverpool so far, Arne Slot may elect to ease him in.
Isak’s behaviour throughout the saga has also been called into question, and some may see his actions of going on strike with three years left on his deal as a potential concern in case he does it again in the future.
Nevertheless, if a deal is completed, Liverpool will be landing one of the best attackers on the market, and it would be a statement of intent as they attempt to defend their Premier League title.
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