Alan Shearer says certain conditions would need to be met for Alexander Isak to get his desired move from Newcastle to Liverpool before the end of the transfer window
Alan Shearer has outlined the conditions for Newcastle to sell Alexander Isak to Liverpool, but he believes the striker has shot himself in the foot. Isak finally spoke out publicly following his attempts to force a move, accusing the club of breaking promises in a statement on social media.
The club responded quickly by expressing disappointment at Isak’s message and denying his claims, although they insist he could still return to the fold. He missed Saturday’s opening day goalless draw with Aston Villa and it’d be a surprise if he played under Eddie Howe anytime soon – perhaps ever.
Newcastle legend Shearer has been a vocal critic of Isak’s and his agent’s conduct surrounding the saga, which has rumbled on for most of the summer. He believes the 25-year-old could still get the move he craves, but only if Newcastle bring in replacements and Liverpool can get closer to their £150million asking price.
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One striker the Magpies are attempting to sign is Brentford’s Yoane Wissa. Former England captain Shearer told Betfair: “My view is the same as it was three or four weeks ago. If Newcastle can get players in to replace him, and if Newcastle receive a bid they want to accept, then it may happen.
“If that doesn’t happen, then he stays, and it becomes really messy. If Liverpool want him, then they put in an offer Newcastle will accept, and if Newcastle can get two players in, because that’s what they need, one to replace Isak and one to replace [Callum] Wilson, then fine.
“They’ve been trying to do that for the past four or five weeks and haven’t been able to. Whether they can do that in the next 10 days is doubtful, but there’s still time.”
Shearer’s believes Isak’s statement will only harden Newcastle’s resolve. He added: “I think we’re just sat here guessing, but last night’s statement hasn’t done him any favours whatsoever in terms of trying to get Newcastle onside or forcing them into a decision, I think they’ll just go the opposite way.”
Isak made his statement after being named in the PFA Premier League team of the season. He wrote: “I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To act now as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”
Newcastle refuted Isak’s claims in a strong statement of their own while leaving the door ajar to the player’s reintegration into the squad. The club said: “We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening.
“We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.
“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views.
“As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met.
“This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his team-mates.”
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