Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has criticised Alexander Isak for escalating tensions with the club after the striker accused the Magpies of breaking promises.
The Sweden international, who finished as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer last season, has missed both pre-season and Newcastle’s opening-day draw at Aston Villa. Liverpool reportedly had a £110 million ($149m) bid rejected, with Newcastle demanding up to £150m for the 25-year-old.
Isak, named in the Premier League 2024/25 Team of the Year, skipped Tuesday’s PFA Awards and instead released a statement accusing the club of betraying his trust. “Promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time,” he said. “When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer described the saga as “an absolute mess,” blaming Isak’s agent, Vlado Lemic. “If I was him, I’d sack his agent on the spot. He advised him to sign a six-year deal without a release clause. To take someone’s word in football is ridiculous,” Shearer said. He added that Isak’s statement had only “thrown flames on the fire” of an already damaging situation.
Reports suggest Newcastle had discussed an improved contract but delayed talks due to financial sustainability rules. In response, the club insisted no promise was made that Isak could leave this summer. “We want to keep our best players… Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready,” read Tuesday’s statement.
Since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances, including the winner in last season’s League Cup final against Liverpool — Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.
Liverpool, who spent £300m revamping their title-winning squad this summer while recouping more than £200m in sales, remain in the market for attacking reinforcements following the exits of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez and the tragic death of Diogo Jota.
Any potential deal for Isak is unlikely before Newcastle host Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday.
