Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has strongly criticised striker Alexander Isak for escalating tensions with the club after publicly accusing the Magpies of breaking promises.
Isak, who was the Premier League’s second-highest scorer last season, has not featured for Newcastle during pre-season or in their opening match, a goalless draw at Aston Villa. Liverpool reportedly tabled a £110 million ($149 million) bid for the 25-year-old, but Newcastle are holding out for a fee closer to £150 million, which would set a new British transfer record.
On Tuesday, Isak issued a statement after skipping the Professional Footballers’ Association awards ceremony, where he had been named in the Premier League 2024/25 Team of the Year. He remarked: “The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Shearer, speaking to Betfair, condemned the striker’s decision to go public, calling the episode an “absolute mess.” He directed criticism at Isak’s agent, Vlado Lemic, for advising him into a six-year deal without an exit clause. “If I was him, I’d get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six-year deal and there’s no get out clause,” Shearer said.
The former England captain added: “I’ve always said there are two sides to every story, but my feelings are exactly the same: he’s gone about it in the wrong way. I just think even releasing this statement last night has thrown flames onto the fire, which he didn’t need to do… It doesn’t benefit anyone.”
Reports suggest Isak had been expecting an improved contract, but Newcastle delayed negotiations due to financial sustainability requirements. The club later released a statement expressing disappointment at Isak’s words but left the door open for his return. “No commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer,” the statement read. “We want to keep our best players… Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”
Since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances, including the decisive strike against Liverpool in the League Cup final earlier this year, which ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have already spent around £300 million revamping their squad but recouped over £200 million through sales. With Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez departing and Diogo Jota tragically passing away, the Reds remain eager to bolster their attack. However, a deal for Isak is unlikely before their clash with Newcastle at St James’ Park on Monday.
What you should know
Alexander Isak’s standoff with Newcastle United highlights the growing tensions between top players and clubs navigating financial rules and transfer ambitions.
Once seen as the face of Newcastle’s resurgence, the Swedish striker now finds himself in a public feud after accusing the Magpies of breaking promises. Alan Shearer’s strong criticism reflects the frustration of fans who feel Isak’s actions may damage team unity.
Despite Liverpool’s massive interest, Newcastle are determined not to lose their star forward cheaply. The outcome of this saga could shape both Newcastle’s season and Isak’s long-term future in English football.
