Alexander Isak has gone on strike at Newcastle, where he is refusing to play in an attempt to force through a mega-money transfer to Liverpool before the window closes
Peter Crouch has slammed Alexander Isak for downing tools at Newcastle in an effort to force through a move to Liverpool.
Isak is refusing to play again for the Magpies in the hope that Liverpool return with an improved offer after their £120m bid was rejected earlier this month. The Swedish striker has three years left on his contract with Newcastle, but informed the club last month he wanted to explore other opportunities.
Liverpool are currently prioritising their defence, having agreed a £26million deal to sign Parma’s Giovanni Leoni while continuing negotiations with Crystal Palace for Marc Guehi.
That has left Isak hanging, with the transfer window closing on September 1. Crouch has criticised the Swede’s behaviour, but feels he could play into the hands of his old club.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Donnarumma to Man City, Liverpool agree £26m deal, Man Utd’s Baleba alternativeREAD MORE: Arne Slot makes Liverpool title claim as new deal sees transfer spend pass £300m
“I don’t like the way it’s been handled,” Crouch told Mirror Football. “I think Newcastle have been disrespected by the player and it leaves a bit of a sour taste. No one likes to see it.
“The fans and the club have been good with Isak, so going on strike just feels like a step too far, especially if you’re under contract. Having said that, having played for Liverpool, to see Alexander Isak in a Liverpool shirt would be unbelievable.”
Crouch was transferred nine times during his career but never went to such extreme measures to get his way.
“It’s a big gamble. It feels like the wrong play,” he added. “Alexander Isak isn’t the first player to go on strike to try and force a move through. Plenty of players have done that, but Newcastle is not a small club. It’s a massive club and not one that necessarily has to sell.
“It’s not like they are in dire straits. The fans expect them to be competing with Liverpool, not selling their best players to them. I understand their stance that they don’t want to sell and I agree with it.”
Newcastle are insistent that Isak is not for sale at any price and that they expect him to play for Eddie Howe’s side this season. If Liverpool don’t return with another bid and the window closes, then the 25-year-old will be left to pick up the pieces.
Crouch feels that, despite the bitterness, things could still be patched up in the north east. “Cristiano Ronaldo had that famous spot with Wayne Rooney in the World Cup and then ended up having the season of his life for Manchester United,” he said.
“A couple of goals changed his situation very quickly. But at the moment, it feels too far gone. But if he’s integrated again he will have to put up with a few boos and will be a target for a while for Newcastle fans. But if you start scoring goals, I think things can change very quickly.”
Peter Crouch was speaking ahead of Paddy Power’s most generous start to a season ever. With Super Sub your bet carries on – even if the player you’ve bet on comes off, meaning even more chances to win. With more FREE Bet Builders than ever before, there’s nowhere better to place your punt.