Alexander Isak’s friend makes ‘stepping stone’ claim to expose true Liverpool loyalties
Newcastle United sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record £130million earlier this month.
Former Sweden international Mikael Lustig believes Alexander Isak also viewed Newcastle United as a stepping stone.
The striker burned all bridges at St James' Park to force a controversial move to Liverpool in the summer. Despite being halfway through a six-year contract, Isak downed tools, refusing to train or play for the Magpies.
He snubbed Newcastle’s pre-season tour - deciding to train at former club Real Sociedad. Due to this, a player previously idolised by Toon fans is now public enemy No.1 on Tyneside.
‘A stepping stone’ - Mikael Lustig
Speaking to Sportbladet, Isak’s ex-international teammate Lustig, who retired in 2022, gave an insight into his career path. The former right-back insisted Newcastle were never going to see out his six-year deal.
“Of course, I’m divided, because I know Isak and know what an incredibly nice and humble guy he is,” Lustig said. “You might see it a little differently compared to other players you have no relationship with.
“I don’t know if he was promised anything, but Isak is Swedish and came from Real Sociedad. I don’t think he had a dream of playing six years at Newcastle. When he went there, I thought it was a stepping stone for him to the biggest clubs in the world.”
Rule change needed?
Lustig also questioned whether rule changes are needed to prevent players from forcing transfers against the club’s wishes. He added: “Having been in the game for a very long time, I know that unfortunately that’s the way you have to do it if you want to get a transfer.
“I’ve had many teammates who did the opposite, who kept quiet and stayed. Then I’ve had teammates who locked themselves in their hotel rooms and refused to come out, and those players were sold. It will probably take some kind of rule change to get rid of that problem.”
‘Incredible’ - Alexander Isak
Isak has now given his first interview since leaving Newcastle which was not conducted by Liverpool’s official media channel. He told ITV last night: “Incredible. It was great to be back on the pitch and score my first goal here at Anfield. And to win as well. So, it’s a good evening.
“I should have scored from that early chance too, but that’s part of being a striker, you miss a few chances and then you score. I think the most important thing is to move on and be ready for the next opportunity.
“I just try to play my game and not think too much. I feel confident that it will come, and that when I get my chances, I’ll take them - that’s my mindset. I’m happy that today I converted one of them.
“I feel good. I think every match I play really helps and gets me into better shape. I’m just becoming more and more ready. How close am I to 100 per cent fitness? Hard to say. I think it’s a mix of physical and match fitness. I feel good, I feel ready to at least make an impact on the pitch.”