2 days ago
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Jonjo Shelvey has no regrets about pushing for an exit from Newcastle United just like Alexander Isak has done this summer.
The English soccer star played for Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Swansea City over the years. Yet, it was his tenure at Newcastle between 2016 and 2023 where he truly made his mark, making 202 appearances across all competitions.
Initially a pivotal figure in Rafael Benitez's EFL Championship-winning squad in 2016/17, Shelvey's influence waned over time. With Newcastle beefing up their midfield options, players like Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton became the go-to choices, leading to Shelvey's eventual January 2023 transfer after a heart-to-heart with Eddie Howe, who had taken charge just over a year earlier.
Now 33, Shelvey has since turned out for Nottingham Forest, Caykur Rizespor, Eyupspor and Burnley, albeit struggling to find his footing with each club. Despite how his career has played out, Shelvey told The Guardian in 2023 that he had no regrets about leaving Newcastle.
He said: "It was hard leaving but I can't say I regret leaving. I'm happy for whatever they do. Eddie said he couldn't let me go at first and then I sort of pleaded with him to let me go. He said he would sleep on it but then he said he would only let me go if they could get one in.
"I said I needed to leave for a fresh start and put my points across, and the next day he pulled me, we had a little chat and he granted my wish. Eddie said he wouldn't stand in the way of my happiness."
Shelvey's switch to Forest didn't turn out as hoped, with injuries marring his first season before a falling-out with manager Steve Cooper. Left out of their pre-season camp for 2023/24 and without an official squad number, Shelvey soon found himself heading to Turkey.
While Howe was accommodating of Shelvey's desire to depart St. James' Park, his handling of Isak's discontent this summer was markedly different. The Swedish forward was excluded from Newcastle's pre-season tour of Asia, training solo back at Real Sociedad.
Isak then openly shared his wishes to consider opportunities away from Tyneside, which led to him being told to train separately from the main squad upon his return to Darsley Park. The 25-year-old reportedly vowed never to play for the Magpies again, irrespective of whether he could secure a transfer before deadline day, before taking to social media to accuse his club of breaking promises.
He also suggested that the best course of action for all involved was to part ways. Although Howe initially hoped to keep Isak for the new Premier League season, his position shifted as the saga unfolded dramatically. It's reported that the pair didn't speak for around two weeks while Isak sat out the first three matches of the Premier League season.
Liverpool had an initial bid of around $148 million turned down for Isak in early August. However, the Reds eventually managed to pull off a deadline day coup, securing the Swede's services for a hefty $167M to end his stint at St. James' Park.
Arne Slot now faces a significant challenge in figuring out how to utilize Isak in a squad already overflowing with talent, given Hugo Ekitike's impressive start following his $106M move from Eintracht Frankfurt and the stellar performances of Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah.
On the other hand, Howe has welcomed two new strikers to replace the departing Isak. The club brought in Nick Woltemade from VfB Stuttgart for an initial $87M last week, followed by a $73M deadline day deal for Brentford's Yoane Wissa.
The club had been forced to use Anthony Gordon as a false-nine in their matches against Aston Villa and Liverpool, before fielding William Osula against Leeds United. However, when the Magpies next face Wolves on home turf, Howe will have a wealth of options for the forward line.
Liverpool are next in action on Sunday, September 14, when they take on Burnley at Turf Moor, and fans may see their first glimpse of Isak as a Reds star during the outing.
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