Former Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist has criticised Alexander Isak’s handling of his transfer saga this summer, but admits Newcastle United might have no choice but to sell the striker for the good of the team.
Isak, 25, is pushing for a Liverpool move this summer and, according to The Athletic, has refused to play for Newcastle again if the transfer doesn’t happen, while The Times reports he has already moved out of his Newcastle home, now up for rent.
The Sweden international skipped pre-season training with the squad, instead heading to Spain for individual sessions as he recovered from a thigh injury, a move that upset manager Eddie Howe and the club.
McCoist told TNT Sports: “I think he’s acted poorly. When you sign a contract, you agree to honour it. You can’t sign a deal and then demand to leave when things don’t go your way. Newcastle fans, in particular, won’t accept that kind of behaviour.”
Liverpool have already had a £110 million bid rejected for Isak. The Reds are waiting for signals from Newcastle before making any further offers, while Newcastle continue to hold firm on their valuation, reportedly around £150 million.
With the transfer window ticking down, Howe has been searching for replacements. However, Newcastle have missed out on targets such as Benjamin Šeško, who joined Manchester United, along with Liam Delap, João Pedro, and Hugo Ekitiké. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa remains on their radar.
McCoist believes Howe faces a tough decision: “Eddie has to show strength, but the most important thing is what’s right for the club and the team. Sometimes, pushing Isak back into the squad might cause more harm than good.
“He might tell the owners, ‘We want £150 million, but he’ll be a problem if he returns to the dressing room. You might have to accept less.’
“The situation is delicate. Howe could accept a lower fee, maybe £20 million less, if it means keeping the squad stable.”
LFC should turn their back on him now, he’ll do the same to them when a big side RM or Barca come calling in 2 years