Alexander Isak's attitude stinks and Newcastle should get rid after latest antics

But Isak was raw potential, rather than the real deal, with his spell at Sociedad coming after he'd failed to make the grade at Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.

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Isak was billed as Europe's most talented young forward when he moved to Dortmund, having flourished in his homeland of Sweden with 13 goals from 29 appearances for AIK in 2016.

However, his reputation nosedived at the Westfalenstadion - with the striker managing to score just a single goal before departing. He later admitted it had been a 'frustrating' time for him and that he didn't get nearly as much game time as he wanted.

So when Newcastle signed Isak three years ago, they knew they had a job on their hands. They also knew he had immense potential, potential he's certainly made good of during his time on Tyneside.

Since joining, the 25-year-old has been on an upwards trajectory. In his first season, he bagged 10 goals. In his second, 25. Last term that figure rose to 27, with 23 of those efforts coming in the Premier League. To put that number into perspective, only Liverpool's Mohamed Salah registered more.

Fast-forward to now, however, and Isak finds himself at the centre of the summer's biggest transfer saga. He wants to join Liverpool, having had his head turned down by Arne Slot's star-studded side. The problem is, Newcastle don't want to play ball.

But they should. Isak, undoubtedly, will be hard to replace. He has been Newcastle's best centre-forward since Alan Shearer and fired them to Carabao Cup glory last term, the club's 56 years.

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His goals also fired Newcastle into the Champions League for the second time in three years, with the Toon set to rub shoulders with Europe's elite once more.

No player is bigger than the club, however. And Isak's petulant attitude, summed up in an astonishing statement last night, is why the Toon should cash in.

Firstly, he went AWOL by going to Sociedad to train. That set alarm bells ringing and has paved the way for the drama that has since followed.

Isak has refused to train with his team-mates, too. Newcastle started their Premier League campaign with a positive draw against Aston Villa on Sunday. Eddie Howe, speaking before and after that game, admitted that resolution was needed.

Then, last night after being named in the PFA Team of the Season, he took things one step further with a stunning statement. Much like when he's in front of goal, the Swede didn't hold back.

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"I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors," he said, his anger clear.

"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.

"When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue. That's where things are for me right now - and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself."

Newcastle, of course, responded with a statement of their own.

They insisted Isak wouldn't be sold and that there was a chance he'd be welcomed back into the fold, when he's ready.

Now, however, that would do more harm than good.

Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, are united - in name and by nature. The Englishman has worked wonders ever since his appointment, with last season's Carabao Cup triumph a historic moment in the club's entire history.

What they don't need is players with ballooning egos. They have won just one trophy, after all. If that number is to rise, then everybody has to be pulling together both on and off the pitch.

Should Isak come back, it would only delay the inevitable. Even if he agreed to return, there's every chance he'd be throwing his toys out of the pram again in 12 months' time.

It is admittedly tough for the Toon to sign a striker of Isak's calibre. They've already seen several targets, such as Benjamin Sesko, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, go elsewhere.

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But Newcastle, if they're able to bring in a new marksman or two, should finally bite the bullet and let Isak go.

Yoane Wissa looks likely to arrive. Nicolas Jackson is one to keep an eye on, too, with the Chelsea striker under consideration.

Football is a team sport. It is not about individuals.

That's something Isak, with his horrendous attitude, needs to remember.