Alan Shearer has sympathy for Alexander Isak after Newcastle United x Liverpool transfer
Newcastle United, Liverpool and Alexander Isak all lost following the £125million transfer saga last summer.
Alan Shearer believes the Alexander Isak saga set Newcastle United’s project back by two years.
A chaotic summer resulted in the Swede downing tools to force through a move to Liverpool. The most long-winded saga of the window trickled into the 2024-25 campaign - with the Magpies severely impacted as a result.
Isak - now considered persona non grata at St James’ Park - eventually got his British record move on deadline day. However, the 26-year-old has endured a nightmare, injury-ravaged season at Anfield, scoring just four goals across all competitions.
Alan Shearer reflects on Alexander Isak saga
Reflecting on the Isak saga, Toon icon Shearer suggested his exit derailed the Saudi-backed project by two years. Surprisingly, he also sympathised with the £125million man, claiming nobody won out of the situation.
"I think what happened last summer probably put Newcastle back two years,” Shearer told Betfair. “I don't think it was helpful to anyone. It wasn't helpful to Isak, hasn't worked for Liverpool, hasn't worked for Newcastle and not one bit of good's come out of it.
"And Newcastle are going to have to have to invest again going forward, because they can't have another season like this where neither centre-forward (has) worked."
Eddie Howe on Anthony Gordon x Alexander Isak comparison
Fast forward to the present and Newcastle could find themselves in a similar situation regarding Anthony Gordon. St James’ Park chiefs do not want a repeat of the Isak saga amid interest from Bayern Munich.
A fortnight ago, NewcastleWorld offered Howe a silver lining that, no matter who leaves this summer, the situation will not be as damaging as when Isak left last year. However, he insisted that any high-profile exit would be a blow to the club.
“It's difficult,” Howe responded “You don't want to keep going back to last year. Alex was the focal point of the team. He was in the middle of the pitch (and) there are very few players in world football like him.
“Naturally, the team was going to be hit. I get your question, but I still think if anyone leaves the football club, a big signing leaves the football club, there will be a dent to us. That's why they're the players that are valued the most. All the players that have been linked with moves away have contributed massively to our success.”