Alan Shearer Slams Alexander Isak’s Handling of Newcastle Exit Saga
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has hit out at striker Alexander Isak for escalating tensions with the club after accusing the Magpies of breaking promises.
Isak, who finished as the Premier League’s second-highest scorer last season, has been absent from Newcastle’s pre-season and their opening match — a goalless draw away at Aston Villa. His absence comes amid strong transfer interest, with Liverpool reportedly seeing a £110 million ($149m) bid rejected. Newcastle are said to be holding out for a record-breaking fee closer to £150 million.
The Swedish forward released a statement on Tuesday explaining his decision to skip the Professional Footballers’ Association awards, despite being named in the Premier League 2024/25 Team of the Year.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time,” Isak wrote. “When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
But Shearer, the club’s all-time top scorer and a former manager, wasn’t impressed. Speaking to Betfair, he described the saga as an “absolute mess” and took aim at Isak’s agent, Vlado Lemic.
“If I was him, I’d get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot,” Shearer said. “He advised him to sign a six-year deal without a release clause — that’s ridiculous. To rely on vague promises in football is nonsense.”
Shearer added that Isak’s public statement only worsened the situation:
“I’ve always said there are two sides to every story, but he’s gone about it the wrong way. That statement just threw more flames on the fire, which helps no one.”
Reports suggest Newcastle had considered offering Isak an improved contract, but financial sustainability rules forced the club to delay. The Magpies responded to Isak’s comments with their own statement, stressing no promise had been made that he could leave this summer.
“We want to keep our best players,” the club said. “Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”
Since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 games for Newcastle, including the decisive strike in last season’s League Cup final against Liverpool — a goal that ended the club’s 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have spent around £300 million on new signings this summer while recouping over £200 million from sales. They remain in the hunt for attacking reinforcements following the departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, and the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
However, with Newcastle and Liverpool set to clash at St James’ Park on Monday, a deal for Isak looks unlikely to be completed before then.