Alexander Isak’s value to nosedive as Liverpool wait out transfer – Micah Richards
Micah Richards has had his say on the transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak, Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Isak, 25, has refused to play for Newcastle at the beginning of the campaign as the striker has his eyes set on an Anfield move this summer.
This has resulted in Liverpool making a £110million bid for Isak, but this deal was quickly rebuffed by the Magpies.
Even with that being the case, the Sweden international has maintained his position as being on strike after missing the opening day clash against Aston Villa.
With the transfer saga of the summer continuing to rumble on, Micah Richards has warned Newcastle over their Isak stance this summer.
Newcastle can learn from Philippe Coutinho example at Liverpool
It has to be said that the signing of Isak would be superb alongside Hugo Ekitike, with the Frenchman having joined this summer from Eintracht Frankfurt.
With that being said, the chances of a deal going through still hinge on Eddie Howe and Co. allowing the ex-Real Sociedad star to move on from St James’.
| Stat | Alexander Isak | Hugo Ekitike |
| Appearances | 42 | 48 |
| Goals | 27 | 22 |
| Assists | 6 | 12 |
As it stands, with just over a week until the window closes, it feels as if any negotiations could go down to the wire.
The lack of time remaining in the month could also play into the Reds’ hands if the Magpies look to rebuild their side with the funds from selling Isak.
This is the belief of Richards, who believes the grass could be greener for Newcastle if they were to part ways with the striker, in a similar vein to when Liverpool sold Coutinho to Barcelona.
Speaking on The Rest is Football (22 August), he said: “I just find the whole situation intriguing because there has to be a conclusion. If I were Newcastle, I would take a bit less because if he stays there and his head’s not right, then his value is only going to go down.
“When Liverpool sold Coutinho, everyone thought it was going to be doom and gloom. But maybe they can use that money and get more players within the squad.
“You don’t want to have a player who’s unhappy, and then the episode continues week after week. It becomes the Isak show when it’s supposed to be about Newcastle.”
Isak sale could hugely benefit Newcastle
There are always pros and cons to buying and selling players, but there aren’t many bigger than this one.
A huge deal for the forward could unlock the transfer market for Howe and allow him to add a number of high-quality reinforcements to his squad after a difficult window to this stage.
Newcastle United’s summer signings so far:
- Anthony Elanga – Nottingham Forest
- Aaron Ramsdale – Southampton
- Malick Thiaw – AC Milan
- Jacob Ramsey – Aston Villa
On the flip side, Newcastle could move on Isak and fail to replace him adequately, which could see them be priced out of deals for their main targets.
With other clubs privy to the knowledge that the Magpies have £120million or more to spend, transfer fee demands will suddenly increase.
As a result, they’ve got to be careful with whatever decision they make, Liverpool and Arne Slot will hope that it is one that benefits them this summer.
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