2 days ago
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Alan Shearer has backed Liverpool to clinch the Premier League title following their acquisition of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.
The 25-year-old forward made his record-breaking $169 million move from St. James' Park to Anfield on deadline day, marking the end of a long-winded and bitter transfer saga.
Ex-Newcastle and England star Shearer believes the British record transfer will pay dividends for the reigning champions, who he thinks have a brilliant chance of retaining their top-flight crown. Shearer also thinks Magpies head coach Eddie Howe dealt with the saga well.
In a chat with Betfair, Shearer shared his thoughts on Liverpool's early performances and Isak's summer conduct, stating: "Liverpool have had an incredible window; spent an absolute fortune. I guess that's because they didn't spend any money last summer.
"For a team that walked the Premier League last season, won it at a canter, to then go out and spend what they have is incredible. It just goes to show, with what they've spent, what City have spent, Arsenal have spent and Chelsea have spent, how difficult it is.
"Newcastle have spent a fair bit as well; they had to. They were put in an impossible situation, so they had to spend the Isak money. But it makes it very difficult for the chasing pack."
Shearer added: "I don't think anyone will catch Liverpool this season. So many people have said they'll win the league. They've made another statement in terms of who they've signed, and they've played three games and not played well yet, but won all three.
"That's a worrying sign for everyone. They had a really difficult summer because of the loss of a teammate, so it will take them time to get back to really top form, and I get that, but for them to have not played well yet and still won three is a really positive sign for them.
"I thought Eddie Howe handled it really well. It was a really impossible situation for him and for the players. I didn't like how it got to the end. I don't think it's ever right that a player should go on strike and refuse to play for a club whilst you're being paid and have a contract.
"I understand it from the other way around, when a club wants to get rid of you they do, but they're still paying your wages. When you sign a contract, you're obliged to fulfil it. Alexander Isak is a good player, going to a great football club who will no doubt challenge for all the big trophies. But, as I said, I don't like how it happened. He'll have his reasons, I'm sure.
"We can thank him for what he did at Newcastle, but it's been a messy situation all summer. I don't think it's done anyone any good, it's been a really bad look for football and for the fans because they're the paying public, the ones that make this great game of ours."
Shearer then drew parallels between Isak's conduct and that of Marc Guehi, whose dream transfer to Liverpool fell through at the last moment, reports the Liverpool Echo.
He remarked: "It's not a good look at all when you're being paid by a club and refuse to play. Ultimately, he [Isak] got his move to Liverpool, that's what he wanted. It's happened before and will happen again, but it feels more prevalent this summer.
"[Jorgen] Strand Larsen didn't play for Wolves [due to injury], [Yoane] Wissa didn't play for Brentford, and of course Isak didn't play for Newcastle. Marc Guehi, on the other hand, did everything right for Crystal Palace and suffered because he didn't get his move to Liverpool as Palace couldn't get a replacement.
"He was the ultimate professional but didn't get his move, and that doesn't seem right. I'm sure he'll get that move at the end of the season on a free transfer and benefit financially, but still. I guess for both clubs it's a relief that it has been sorted out, particularly Newcastle and Brentford, and for the players especially.
"Their managers have had to constantly talk every single day about certain players rather than the team, which isn't helpful. It needed to be sorted out one way or the other, and it has been. So it's time to move on, get your head down and concentrate on football, which is what everyone always wants anyway."
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