Alexander Isak’s Contract Gamble Backfires as Liverpool Transfer Saga Escalates
Alan Shearer has voiced his astonishment at Alexander Isak’s current transfer standoff, highlighting what he believes was a costly mistake in the striker’s contract negotiations with Newcastle United.
The Swedish forward has been pushing hard for a move to Liverpool this summer, with the Premier League champions keen to bring him to Anfield. Liverpool already tested Newcastle’s resolve with a £110m bid, but the Magpies stood firm on their £150m valuation. Despite the rejected offer, Isak has made it clear through a strongly-worded social media statement that his relationship with Newcastle has broken down, accusing the club of making verbal promises that were never fulfilled.
Newcastle swiftly denied those claims, insisting no such agreements existed and reiterating their expectation that Isak will reintegrate into the squad. The 25-year-old, however, is believed to have told the club privately that he no longer wishes to play for them, even refusing to join their pre-season tour and missing the opening league fixture against Aston Villa.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Newcastle legend Shearer was blunt in his assessment. He questioned why Isak and his representatives agreed to a six-year deal without securing a formal release clause if they anticipated a future move. “Football doesn’t work on handshakes and verbal promises,” Shearer said. “If he was serious about leaving one day, his agent should never have let him sign without a written exit clause. That’s negligence.”
Isak’s frustration reportedly deepened after a proposed contract extension that would have made him one of the Premier League’s top earners collapsed last summer. Newcastle’s shift in management and concerns over financial regulations (PSR) put the brakes on the deal, leaving the striker feeling betrayed.
The saga took another twist when Liverpool landed Hugo Ekitike for £79m after Newcastle refused to negotiate on Isak. That deal seemed to close the door on Isak’s Anfield dream, until he reignited the saga this month by officially requesting the club “explore his options.”
Now, with less than two weeks left in the transfer window, the forward continues to train alone while Liverpool monitor the situation. Newcastle remain in a position of strength, as Isak still has three years left on his contract, but the player’s determination to leave has created a tense standoff.
Whether Liverpool raise their bid or Newcastle hold their ground could define the final days of this summer’s transfer market. For Isak, however, the lack of a release clause may prove to be the biggest barrier to securing his long-awaited move.
