Alan Shearer has launched a stinging attack on Alexander Isak, accusing the Newcastle striker of showing no loyalty to the club as his ongoing stand-off drags into the new season.
The Swedish forward has been frozen out of Eddie Howe’s first-team plans after making clear his desire to force a move to Liverpool.
Isak refused to travel with the Magpies on their pre-season tour of Asia in a bid to accelerate his exit, a decision that has angered both supporters and former players alike.
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Shearer, Newcastle’s record goalscorer and a symbol of the club’s loyalty during his own playing days, did not hold back when asked about the saga.
Alan Shearer has launched a stinging attack on Alexander Isak, accusing the Newcastle striker of showing no loyalty to the club as his ongoing stand-off drags into the new season
|PA
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said: “It has to have an effect on the group, there’s no doubt about it.
"That’s why there’s such anger in Newcastle with the fans.
"You’ve got a guy who’s on a hundred grand a week plus. Yet you’ve got the normal working bloke, who’s paying £60, £70 for a ticket to go to a match and that’s why it hurts them so much.
“You’ve got a guy who’s played a huge part in one of Newcastle’s best seasons ever, yet with three years left on his contract says ‘I don’t want to play for you anymore’.
"Look, loyalty in football is a no-go, neither from clubs or players – just look at the situation with Gianluigi Donnarumma and PSG this week.
“Look what’s happened to him, the form he was in and what he did last year to help PSG achieve their dream, and yet the club come to him and say, ‘We’re getting rid of you, we don’t fancy you anymore, despite what you’ve done for us.’
“So, where’s the loyalty there? I get clubs and football players; there is no loyalty, clubs look after themselves, and players look after themselves, but there’s a way of doing things.
"The way that Alex [Isak] is doing this at the moment is not the right way. It’s not a good look for him or his agent who obviously have got into him.”
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Alexander Isak missed Newcastle's draw with Aston Villa on Saturday
|GETTY
Isak’s absence was felt as Newcastle were held to a goalless draw against Aston Villa in their Premier League opener, with the Toon unable to capitalise despite playing with a man advantage for the final stages.
With just over two weeks left in the transfer window, the future of the 25-year-old remains unresolved.
Liverpool have already had one offer turned down but are expected to return with an improved bid.
Isak, however, appears convinced that his time on Tyneside is over.
Eddie Howe struck a slightly more conciliatory tone when asked if the striker could ever be reintegrated into his squad.
The Newcastle boss replied: “Yes, I believe there is. But, of course, discussions and talks would need to take place for that to happen. But, again, that’s for another day.”
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Yoane Wissa is a top transfer target for Newcastle amid the uncertainty over Alexander Isak's future
| PANewcastle have been linked with several forwards amid the uncertainty over Isak's future.
Yoane Wissa is the club's top target, with Brentford expected to sell their talisman.
Nicolas Jackson and Rasmus Hojlund, of Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, have also been linked.