Alexander Isak suspicions raised as agreement reached on Liverpool transfer target

Fredrik Ljungberg claims Alexander Isak has behaved out of character in trying to force his way out of Newcastle. Isak, 25, has been agitating for a transfer to Liverpool this summer despite Newcastle insisting he will not be allowed to leave.

The Magpies slapped a reported £150million price-tag on their talismanic striker and were insistent that two new players had to come in before giving his departure the green light. But Liverpool have only come in with a £110m bid, which was rejected, and Eddie Howe has missed out on several of his top targets which were eyed as potential replacements.

As such, the Sweden international has seeminglyrefused to train with his team-mates or play for Newcastle, even releasing a statement in which he slammed the club over “broken promises and trust”, and hinted that he would not turn out for the St James’ Park outfit again.

READ MORE: Alexander Isak's mistake has cost him as Liverpool negotiations 'wouldn't have been a problem'

READ MORE: Man Utd benefit from Howard Webb clampdown while Alan Shearer admits VAR got it right

Isak was absent again from Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Monday night, which did not go down well with his former fans. His behaviour has caused a stir in the footballing world, leading to him coming under fire from Newcastle and Liverpool legends alike.

Swedish football hero Ljungberg has now also expressed disappointment at the toxic transfer saga, while stating that Isak has not been behaving like himself this summer. The Arsenal legend said during Viaplay’s live football coverage ahead of the fixture: “I don't think it's a good situation for anyone.

“Especially Isak. He's a humble guy, which I like, off the pitch. What's happening is something that doesn't feel like Isak. Something is wrong. Something very bad has happened. There's more behind it. He wants to force himself away. It's a difficult situation."

His fellow pundit Peter Schmeichel agreed before suggesting the blame lies with his agent. “It's like you say Fredrik, this doesn't feel like Isak. I have a feeling that he has received very, very bad advice,” said the Dane. “If he had a good agent, they would have written a clause that helps the player leave.”

Despite not having a close relationship with Isak, Ljungberg has previously spoken glowingly about his compatriot. Isak matched Ljungberg’s milestone as Sweden’s all-time top Premier League goal-scorer with 48 goals in January this year, which earned him praise. The 48-year-old also voiced his desire to see Isak join Arsenal last October, calling him “extremely special”.

He had said: “I like Isak. He is amazing when he plays at his highest level. This is a player whom I want things to go so incredibly well for. He seems so humble and down to earth, and it feels like he just wants to work hard and play football. I really hope he can take the next step.”

Legendary Magpies striker Alan Shearer last week shared Schmeichel’s feelings about the blame resting with the player’s agent, Vlado Lemic. He advised Isak to "sack his agent on the spot" for giving him "bad advice". Shearer also claimed he was naïve to rely on a supposed 'gentleman's agreement', before hitting out at Lemic for not including a release clause in his initial contract.

A frustrated Shearer vented to Betfair: “I mean, oh my God, what a f***ing mess his agent has made of this, honestly. If I was him [Isak], I’d get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six‑year deal and there’s no get‑out clause.

“I mean, it’s ridiculous. And to take anyone’s word in football… it’s nonsensical to say that someone said, ‘Oh, I’ll be able to get out at the end of the season.’ Really? I mean, come on.”

Isak signed a six-year contract with Newcastle when he joined the club in 2022, without the inclusion of a release clause. That forward appears to believe he had some sort of guarantee – either a bumper new contract or permission to leave for a lower fee.

Reports suggest the Newcastle star was assured of an improved new contract by Amanda Staveley, though she and husband Mehrdad Ghodoussi sold their shares in the club to the Saudi Public Investment Fund last July. It's understood that Paul Mitchell, who later arrived as sporting director, immediately halted talks with the striker, believing his remaining three-year contract meant fresh terms weren't necessary.

As of Monday night, the latest in the long-running saga was that Newcastle co-owner Jamie Reuben and a PIF delegation visited Isak at his home, prior to the clash against Liverpool, in an effort to persuade him to remain at St James' Park.

According to MailOnline, the club's preference is for the Swede to return to training and play for the team again. The report also claims that if Isak commits his future to the club this season, then discussions would also include the prospect of a new contract.

However, it has since been reported that the wantaway striker told the club he still wants to join Liverpool after holding crunch talks with the hierarchy. According to the Telegraph, Isak insisted he is determined to remain on strike until he gets his move to Anfield.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.