4 hours ago
54
Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has expressed his exasperation over Liverpool's chase for Alexander Isak in a WhatsApp group chat with Gary Lineker. Yet the 54 year old isn't irate about the unfolding events and senses that his old team will likely see the forward snapped up by the Reds.
The Swedish sharpshooter, who notched up 23 goals in the Premier League last term, made his desire to depart clear last month when he communicated to the Magpies his wish to consider a transfer. He then skipped Newcastle's pre-season tour in Asia, choosing instead to train with his previous club Real Sociedad.
Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, initially reached out to the 25-year-old informally, but just last week lodged an initial $146 million (£110 million) bid, which was promptly turned down.
Liverpool currently deems it futile to come back with a raised bid, but this hasn't deterred Newcastle legend Shearer from sharing his conviction that Isak will ultimately complete a move in this window.
On The Rest Is Football podcast, alongside co-hosts Micah Richards and Lineker, Shearer candidly discussed Newcastle's summer dealings and the ongoing situation with Isak.
Lineker set the stage on the podcast, saying, "We've had some of your frustrations on our group chat over the last few weeks," which led Shearer to delve into the topic of Isak.
Shearer didn't hold back, stating, "I think up until now it's been a disastrous window for Newcastle. It is probably gonna lose their best player, one of the league's best centre forwards, if not the best.
"But I'm okay with the situation. I thought he might have stayed for another summer, and then this would have happened next summer. But it is what it is.
"If he can't be persuaded to stay, then if someone offers Newcastle what they want, then they've got to take that because, ultimately, you just say, 'Thank you very much for the great memories you've given us, and off you go.'"
When Lineker questioned whether Isak's absence from Newcastle's pre-season tour and his conduct regarding the transfer had sparked any frustration from Shearer, he responded: "I'm not angry at all towards him. I understand how football works. I know what happens in and around the game. I probably understand his mentality.
"Do I like it? Do I understand it? Probably two different things, but I know what football is about and how it works. Obviously, Liverpool has been onto him and his agent.
"I just thought it might have happened next year. But if it really is impossible for Eddie [Howe] to turn him around, you get your big money for him, you get other people in, hopefully before, and then you move on.
"No individual is bigger than any football club, and if he doesn't want to be there, fine, get what you can and get him out and say, 'Thanks very much.'".
English (US) ·