Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak’s bitter split with the club over a move to Liverpool has drawn fierce media criticism. Once a hero on Tyneside, a fan favorite, and the greatest striker in black-and-white since Alan Shearer, he enjoyed unwavering adulation—until this transfer saga.
Despite repeated assurances he wouldn’t be sold this summer, Isak, with three years left on his contract, openly forced a move, betraying all who loved him in Tyneside. He infuriated fans and, worst of all, let down manager Eddie Howe—who pushed to sign him from Real Sociedad three years ago and helped him become one of Europe’s finest forwards. Even now, Howe tries to calm Isak, who refuses to accept the board’s decision, seeking a path for his return. Howe understands his frustration but won’t tolerate a player flouting professional standards: Isak’s actions have divided the team, creating a sorry and regrettable mess.
Isak has admitted he’s mentally unfit to play or train for Newcastle. The longer this drags on, the deeper the damage—not just to his Newcastle reputation, but to how football views him globally. If he acts this way at Newcastle, what might he do elsewhere when things don’t go his way?
His refusal to join the Asian pre-season tour and focus on disrupting Newcastle to force a Liverpool move is akin to a child throwing a tantrum over denied candy—hardly professional.
Redemption isn’t impossible. Yohan Cabaye once went on strike to force a move to PSG, yet manager Alan Pardew reintegrated him; he regained fans’ forgiveness with performances and left amicably. Kieron Dyer, once booed by fans, earned respect through three years of diligence. Harry Kane and Luis Suárez also had transfer sagas, either staying another year or moving respectfully.
Newcastle offered a solution: a pay rise and a new contract with a release clause. Stay until 2026 (aged 26), when more options (Bayern, Barça, Real Madrid, PSG likely) await; if he still wants to leave, the club won’t stop him. This buys time to find a replacement and proves Newcastle can match his ambition.
An apology, admission of error, and match-winning displays in black-and-white could repair things—Newcastle fans forgive goals and grit. But forcing a move now would leave a permanent stain: from hero to villain on Tyneside, scorned by the wider game. The choice is his. Let’s hope he chooses wisely.
