Former Premier League captain tells Isak to ruin training sessions

The ongoing transfer saga involving Alexander Isak has taken another dramatic turn, with former Watford captain Troy Deeney offering controversial advice to the Newcastle United striker about how to force through a move to Liverpool.

The situation has captivated football fans and experts alike, becoming one of the most talked-about stories of the summer transfer window.

Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle became apparent early in the transfer period when he reportedly informed club officials of his wish to seek new challenges elsewhere.

Liverpool’s subsequent £110 million bid, while substantial, was rejected by Newcastle as they sought to identify suitable replacements before sanctioning the sale of their star attacker.

This initial rejection appears to have triggered a series of escalating actions from the Swedish international.

The 25-year-old has taken the unusual step of refusing to train or play for Newcastle, a decision that resulted in a fine of two weeks’ wages for his absence from the squad during their opening weekend match against Aston Villa.

The situation reached new levels of intensity when Isak released a strongly worded statement accusing the club’s hierarchy of breaking promises made to him, though he did not specify the nature of these alleged commitments.

Deeney’s intervention adds another layer to this complex situation. The former Premier League striker, drawing from his own experience of forcing a move from Walsall to Watford in 2010, has publicly advised Isak to intentionally disrupt training sessions as a means of pressuring Newcastle into accepting a transfer.

Deeney’s method involved participating in running exercises but deliberately sabotaging any ball work—kicking balls away and generally making sessions unproductive—while maintaining a professional public facade.

This approach, while effective in Deeney’s case, represents an extreme tactic that risks damaging relationships and reputations.

The former striker acknowledges the personal difficulty of such actions, describing feelings of guilt and acknowledging that he was “being a d*** for no reason” to people he actually liked.

However, he maintains that players must prioritize their own careers in such situations, especially when presented with opportunities to join elite clubs like Liverpool.

Newcastle’s response to Isak’s statement suggests the club has reached a turning point in their handling of the situation. Initially open to considering a sale if suitable replacements could be found, the public nature of Isak’s accusations appears to have hardened the club’s stance significantly.

Sources indicate that Newcastle now have no intention of selling the striker, regardless of whether they secure attacking reinforcements before the transfer deadline.

The club’s official response emphasized several key points: Isak remains under contract, no official ever promised him a summer departure, and any sale would only be considered if it served the best interests of Newcastle United.

The statement also struck a conciliatory tone by describing Isak as still part of the “family” and indicating he would be welcomed back when ready to rejoin his teammates.

The timing of this standoff adds particular intrigue to Monday’s match between Newcastle and Liverpool at St James’ Park. While Isak almost certainly won’t feature in the game, his presence or absence will loom large over the occasion.

The match provides a symbolic backdrop to this transfer drama, pitting his current club against his desired destination amid unresolved tensions.

This situation illustrates the complex power dynamics in modern football transfers, where players increasingly seek to control their career trajectories while clubs attempt to protect their investments and maintain squad stability.

The outcome will likely influence how both Newcastle and other clubs handle similar situations in the future, potentially setting precedents for player-club relations in the era of increasing player power.

As the transfer window approaches its conclusion, all parties face difficult decisions. Liverpool must determine whether to increase their offer significantly or explore alternative targets.

Newcastle need to decide whether their hardened stance is sustainable if Isak continues his protest. And the player himself must weigh his desire for a move against the potential consequences of extending his campaign of resistance.

The resolution of this standoff will have significant implications for all involved, potentially shaping Newcastle’s season, Liverpool’s title ambitions, and Isak’s career trajectory.

The coming days will reveal whether compromise can be found or whether this situation will continue toward what appears an increasingly inevitable separation.