2 godzin temu
Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has launched a scathing attack on suggestions that Alexander Isak's transfer saga mirrors Trent Alexander-Arnold's move to Real Madrid. Speaking on The Rest is Football Podcast, Shearer called the comparison a "stupid question" and highlighted fundamental differences between the two situations.
Shearer said: "What a stupid question that is, you can't compare them at all. Trent was a kid who was brought up Liverpool, he came to the end of his contract. He didn't refuse to play, he didn't refuse to train and then was well within his rights to leave."
Contract situation creates key difference
The former England striker stressed the contractual differences make any comparison invalid. Alexander-Arnold moved to Real Madrid after his Liverpool contract expired, with the Spanish club paying £8-10 million for his services. Meanwhile, Isak has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract.
Shearer said: "Now, Isak's got three years left on his contract, it doesn't take a genius to work that out does it? Come on."
Isak's bombshell statement
The Sweden international released a bombshell Instagram statement on Tuesday night claiming "broken promises" and declaring his Newcastle career over. Newcastle responded with their own statement denying any promises were made to allow Isak to leave this summer.
Liverpool have made a £110 million bid plus add-ons for Isak, but Newcastle are holding out for closer to £150 million. The striker has refused to train with Newcastle's first team since making his position clear and was omitted entirely from the squad for last weekend's season opener against Aston Villa.
Shearer's surprise at player's behaviour
Shearer expressed surprise at Isak's behaviour, recalling a recent interview with the player. He said: "I sat down with him what, five or six months ago, Alex. I didn't see this in him to be honest. I thought he was a manager's dream to be honest, the way he spoke and the way he, sort of, was talking about himself and the club and his life and everything else."
The Newcastle legend added: "So obviously something has massively upset him and we don't know that, but those two circumstances, Trent and Alexander Isak, are totally different."
Growing tensions before Liverpool clash
The timing adds extra intrigue with Newcastle set to face Liverpool on Monday night in the Premier League. Only the Independent reports that Isak missed the PFA Awards ceremony despite his Team of the Year nomination, demonstrating his commitment to forcing through the move.
Newcastle fans have already turned against their former hero, with anti-Isak chants heard at the Aston Villa match. Historical precedents suggest player reconciliation remains possible, as similar standoffs involving Harry Kane, Wayne Rooney and Luis Suarez were eventually resolved.
Sources used: "Chronicle Live", "Independent", "Mirror", "Liverpool Echo", "Daily Mail", "Daily Star"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
