4 days ago
53
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has hit out at his old club for the way it has handled its transfers this summer as the Alexander Isak saga takes yet another twist.
The striker has been linked with a move to Anfield for some time now, although he has seemingly been pushing harder for the switch in recent weeks. Liverpool did submit a $146 million bid for his services, but that was swiftly rejected by Newcastle.
There doesn’t seem to be another offer forthcoming at the moment, and even if Arne Slot still has a move for Isak in mind, it might not be worth his time now. New reports suggest Newcastle’s owners have blocked the 25-year-old from leaving St. James’ Park this summer, leaving Isak furious.
It’s just the latest twist in what has been a difficult summer for the Magpies. Despite the highs of winning a first domestic trophy in 70 years and qualifying for the Champions League, Eddie Howe has struggled to strengthen his squad.
Newcastle has failed to sign a number of its targets this summer, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Benjamin Sesko, all of whom could have been replacements for Isak.
Shearer has now questioned why his former side hasn’t been able to land its targets, with the former striker citing internal problems as a possible reason.
“Why can’t Newcastle get business done?” Shearer said while speaking to Betfair.
“I don't know whether it's to do with the fact they don't have a Chief Executive or Sporting Director. They've known for months now that the Chief Executive was leaving, so I'm pretty surprised that one hasn't been announced as yet.
“The Sporting Director left a couple of months ago now, and they've known that, so that's a big surprise that those spaces haven't been filled. Whether that has anything to do with Newcastle's lack of business and the number of players that have said no to them, I don't know. It's not a good look.”
Given their struggles in the transfer market, the Magpies look as though they could be running out of options as they look for a new forward.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
That may well play a part in Isak’s future, with Shearer desperate for any kind of resolution at this point.
“The biggest thing they have to do is, somehow, sort the Isak situation out - and if they can't get anyone in, I guess that means he isn't going anywhere,” Shearer added.
“Eddie will have to be at his persuasive best to try and turn Isak's head around because it has been turned in terms of him wanting to go to Liverpool. On the proviso that he does want to go and Eddie can't turn his head, then you get the money. But prior to that, you have to get people in to replace him.”
English (US) ·