"Isak isn't going anywhere for that price" - Newcastle legend slams Liverpool's bid for star player
Newcastle rejected Liverpool's €140 million bid, causing significant discontent for Isak, who is training away from the squad and will likely miss the Premier League opener against Aston Villa.
Isak remains furious with the owners' decision. There's been speculation he's ready to formally request a transfer, but that's unlikely to change anything.
The Swede probably won't play for Newcastle until the transfer window closes, after which Eddie Howe will likely reinstate him.
Shearer blasts Liverpool
Alan Shearer, Newcastle and Premier League legend, analyses the club's current situation, focusing on the Alexander Isak transfer saga, in a piece for BBC Sport, via Sports.
"I don't know how or why it's come to this, but it's been a disastrous transfer window for Newcastle. They've missed out on all their main targets and now face the potential departure of Isak. They have to resolve this, and it won't be easy. Considering Callum Wilson's departure, if Isak leaves too, they'll need two strikers. They have no other choice."
He believes Liverpool's initial bid of €127 million wasn't a serious offer. "You can't get Isak for that kind of money. Players like Declan Rice, Enzo Fernandez, and Jack Grealish went for similar amounts, and we're talking about a striker who has scored 44 Premier League goals in two seasons. Newcastle's valuation of around €150 million is more realistic."
Newcastle entered the transfer window unprepared
The Premier League's all-time top scorer points out that Newcastle entered the transfer window unprepared.
"Newcastle entered the transfer window without a CEO or Sporting Director, which is unbelievable to me. They knew 11 months ago that Darren Eales was leaving and that Dan Ashworth would be gone by the end of June."
Isak doesn't want to stay at Newcastle
Isak has made it clear he doesn't want to stay at Newcastle. While fans criticize him, Shearer is sympathetic.
"I can understand Isak. Clearly, Liverpool has gotten into his head, or his agent's. It's understandable that he's decided what's best for him as a player. Players come and go, that's normal.
"But the club must come first. They need to think about alternatives, and I think Joao Felix, who's in a similar situation, and Ollie Watkins, a proven Premier League striker, would be excellent options."