Shearer Slams Isak for ‘Pouring Flames on the Fire’ Amid Newcastle Transfer Row

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has accused striker Alexander Isak of escalating tensions with the club by publicly accusing it of breaking promises, as transfer speculation surrounding the Swedish international intensifies.

Isak, who finished last season as the Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer, has yet to feature for Newcastle in pre-season or their opening match — a goalless draw against Aston Villa last Saturday.

Liverpool are believed to have had a £110 million ($149 million) offer rejected for the 25-year-old, with Newcastle reportedly holding out for a British transfer record fee of up to £150 million.

The situation took a public turn on Tuesday when Isak released a statement after opting not to attend the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards ceremony, 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,” said Isak. “When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”

But Shearer, speaking to Betfair, called the situation “an absolute mess” and directed criticism at both Isak and his agent, Vlado Lemic.

“If I was him, I’d get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately,” Shearer said. “He is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six-year deal and there’s no get-out clause. It’s ridiculous.”

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

Shearer acknowledged there are “two sides to every story,” but criticized Isak’s decision to go public.

“I just think even releasing this statement last night has thrown flames onto the fire, which he didn’t need to do… It doesn’t benefit anyone,” he said.

Isak is believed to have been promised an improved contract, but Newcastle reportedly delayed talks due to financial sustainability regulations.

The club responded late Tuesday with its own statement: “No commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer. We want to keep our best players… 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 appearances, including the winning goal against Liverpool in the League Cup final earlier this year, securing Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.

Liverpool, who spent around £300 million revamping their squad after winning last season’s title, are still in the market for attacking reinforcements following the exits of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, and the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

However, any potential deal for Isak is unlikely to be finalized before Newcastle host Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday.