Alexander Isak’s move from Newcastle United to Liverpool has left a bitter taste among Magpies fans, with the striker now facing heavy criticism from those within football.
Once adored at St. James’ Park, Isak’s decision to push for a transfer to Liverpool and the way he went about it has seen his reputation take a serious hit.
The Swedish forward, who scored an impressive 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle, was viewed as one of the club’s most valuable assets.
However, when Liverpool’s interest became public, everything changed. Despite having three years left on his deal, Isak reportedly refused to train or play, effectively forcing Newcastle’s hand as the summer transfer window drew to a close.
His departure on deadline day stunned supporters who had celebrated him as a hero only months earlier for helping secure silverware and Champions League qualification.
Since joining Liverpool, things haven’t gone as expected. The £130 million signing has struggled to find his footing, scoring only once in the Carabao Cup against Southampton while failing to register a single goal in the Premier League or Champions League.
His latest performance for Sweden did little to lift confidence either, as he missed a glaring chance in front of goal. With a crucial fixture against Manchester United on the horizon, pressure is building on the 26-year-old to justify his massive price tag.
An anonymous football agent has now publicly criticised the striker’s behaviour surrounding his exit from Newcastle. Speaking to The Athletic, the agent described Isak’s transfer as the “worst deal of the summer,” citing both the financial aspect and the lack of professionalism involved.
“Because of what Liverpool paid for him, but also in terms of the culture of the football club,” the agent said. “Eddie Howe, the Newcastle manager, is a good human being and handled that with as much dignity as he could.
For me, the way Isak behaved goes against Liverpool’s core principles. It’s always been about the club, not the individual, at Liverpool.”
The comments reflect the growing sentiment that Isak’s actions during the transfer saga damaged not only his reputation but also the respect between him and the fans who once adored him.
His move may have secured a dream club and lucrative deal, but the fallout from his conduct has overshadowed what could have been a celebrated transfer.
When asked recently about the controversy, Isak avoided stirring old wounds. Speaking to ESPN, he said, “It’s nothing I want to dwell on now.
It doesn’t benefit anyone, neither me nor Newcastle, so let it be. I’m working hard to push myself and play my game.
Things have been a bit tougher for us at Liverpool, but I believe that as the team improves and things start to flow better, it will also go better for me.”
While he’s trying to focus on his new chapter, many Newcastle supporters have already moved on and few seem eager to forgive or forget how their former star forced his way out. For now, Isak must prove that his decision to leave Tyneside was worth all the trouble.
