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Fredrik Ljungberg has expressed that Alexander Isak's actions in trying to secure a move away from Newcastle are out of character. Despite Newcastle's firm stance that the 25-year-old striker will not be sold, Isak has been pushing for a transfer to Liverpool this summer.
Newcastle reportedly placed a hefty $200 million (£150 million) price tag on its star striker and insisted that two new players must be signed before it would consider letting him go. However, Liverpool's offer of $148M (£110m) was turned down, and manager Eddie Howe has missed out on several key targets who were seen as potential replacements.
The Swedish international has apparently refused to train with his team or play for Newcastle, even releasing a statement criticizing the club for "broken promises and trust", and suggesting he may never play for the St James' Park side again.
Isak was notably absent from Newcastle's 3-2 loss to Liverpool on Monday night, much to the disappointment of his former fans. His actions have stirred controversy in the football world, drawing criticism from both Newcastle and Liverpool legends.
Swedish football icon Ljungberg has also voiced his disappointment at the messy transfer saga, stating that Isak's behaviour this summer is not typical of him. The Arsenal legend commented during Viaplay's live football coverage ahead of the match: "I don't think it's a good situation for anyone.
"Especially Isak. He's a humble guy, which I like, off the pitch. What's happening is something that doesn't feel like Isak. Something is wrong. Something very bad has happened. There's more behind it. He wants to force himself away. It's a difficult situation."
His fellow pundit Peter Schmeichel concurred before pointing the finger at his representative. "It's like you say Fredrik, this doesn't feel like Isak. I have a feeling that he has received very, very bad advice," said the Dane.
"If he had a good agent, they would have written a clause that helps the player leave."
Despite lacking a close bond with Isak, Ljungberg has previously waxed lyrical about his fellow countryman. Isak equalled Ljungberg's record as Sweden's leading Premier League marksman with 48 goals in January this year, earning him plaudits.
The 48 year old also expressed his wish to see Isak join Arsenal last October, describing him as "extremely special".
He had said: "I like Isak. He is amazing when he plays at his highest level. This is a player whom I want things to go so incredibly well for. He seems so humble and down to earth, and it feels like he just wants to work hard and play football. I really hope he can take the next step."
Last week, Magpies legend Alan Shearer echoed Schmeichel's sentiments, placing the blame squarely on the shoulders of the player's agent, Vlado Lemic. He suggested that Isak should "sack his agent on the spot" for providing him with "bad advice".
Shearer also criticised the player's naivety in trusting a supposed 'gentleman's agreement', and lambasted Lemic for failing to include a release clause in the initial contract.
Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and a PIF delegation visited Isak at his home before the match against Liverpool, in a bid to convince him to stay at St James' Park.
However, subsequent reports suggest that the striker, keen to leave, informed the club he still wishes to join Liverpool after crucial discussions with the management.
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