Alan Shearer has criticised Newcastle United’s explanation for Alexander Isak’s pre-season absence, calling the club’s statement “ridiculous” as speculation grows over the striker’s future.
The Swedish forward was left out of the Magpies’ 30-man squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, with the club insisting he “misses out with a minor thigh injury.” However, Shearer believes there is more to it, especially with Liverpool among the clubs monitoring his situation.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Newcastle legend said: “It’s ridiculous what Newcastle put out this morning to say he wasn’t on the trip because of a slight thigh injury. If they thought people wouldn’t see through that, it was disappointing. They should have just told the truth straight away.”
Shearer’s comments have been widely seen as a sign that Newcastle are struggling to control the situation. The club’s injury excuse was meant to quiet speculation, but it has backfired, especially with reports now confirming Isak wants to leave.
The timing has raised eyebrows. Last week, Eddie Howe said Alexander Isak was “absolutely” part of the tour plans, only for the striker to be left out days later. That shift has only fuelled the belief that Newcastle’s statement was meant to delay the inevitable.
Isak’s absence follows reports that he is keen to explore his options this summer, despite Newcastle insisting he is not for sale. The 25-year-old scored 27 goals in 42 appearances last season and is regarded as one of the best forwards in the Premier League.
Liverpool are understood to still be interested, even after signing Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt in a £69m deal. Sources believe Liverpool’s early business may now work in their favour. They are under no pressure to overspend, and with Isak unsettled, the Reds could wait for the price to drop or force Newcastle into talks on their terms.
Shearer admitted it is a tough position for the club:
Eddie Howe has to use all his persuasive powers to do what he can and try to make him stay at least one more year.
If that cannot happen, then it is what it is. You have to get the very best deal for the football club. And if someone is prepared to pay north of £150m, and if he really, really wants to go, you cannot step in his way.
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Newcastle suffered a 4-0 defeat to Celtic in their first friendly, a match Isak was expected to feature. Howe has maintained that Isak is happy and “loves the players he plays with,” but did not offer full clarity on his future.
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has also emerged as a possible target for Newcastle, a move some see as quiet preparation in case Isak departs. But with Ekitike already secured at Anfield and Al-Hilal reportedly willing to match any Premier League offer, the next few weeks could define Isak’s career and Liverpool’s attacking plans.
