Liverpool transfer bombshell as Newcastle United could laugh last in Alexander Isak saga
Reports in Spain claim Alexander Isak is angling for a Liverpool exit less than a year after leaving Newcastle United.
Newcastle United mercenary Alexander Isak is reportedly angling for a sensational summer switch to Barcelona.
Not content with one controversial transfer saga, Spanish outlets claim the Swede is already plotting his Liverpool escape. Isak - previously adored on Tyneside - burned all bridges when he downed tools to force through a St James’ Park exit.
One of the most long-winded transfer stories in recent memory came to a conclusion on deadline day, with Liverpool stumping up a British record £125million. Newcastle are yet to recover from Isak’s absence as his replacements, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, have struggled to fill the void.
Alexander Isak nightmare at Liverpool
However, the garden has also not been too rosy for Isak on Merseyside. His refusal to train throughout the summer meant he was not match-fit for the season ahead.
Just two Premier League goals - and three in all competitions - has done little to justify his staggering price tag. To compound his misery, Isak suffered a broken leg against Tottenham Hotspur in December and has not kicked a ball since.
Speaking earlier this month, Liverpool boss Arne Slot warned supporters not to expect the 26-year-old to be at his best when he does return to action. The Dutchman told reporters: “I have to mess up the party again. Let's say (he comes back) at the beginning of April, he has been out for three and a half months and not trained with the team for three and a half months.
“The last time he did that, it took him a while to get up to speed. I am really, really looking forward to having him back but don't get the expectations again so high that, the minute he is on the pitch, he is at the level of what we spent that money on."
Bombshell reports from Spain
Barcelona outlet El Nacional claim Isak wants to leave Liverpool and his preferred destination is the Camp Nou. The report goes as far as to suggest the former Toon favourite has asked his agents to seek a potential exit.
This time last year, Barca were one of several clubs linked with signing Isak. However, finances proved tight, with the £125million fee only a realistic proposition to Premier League clubs.
The report suggests Liverpool are unwilling to let Isak leave easily given their bulky outlay less than 12 months ago. It should also be noted that these claims have not been verified by The Gazette although, if true, would give Newcastle the last laugh in the saga…
Alexander Isak on Newcastle United exit
“I can say this, things are always more complicated than they seem,” Isak said in December to Swedish media about his Newcastle exit. “I have talked about this, but I have not gone into depth.
“And it is not something that I want to do, based on the fact that I have put it behind me. I am focusing forward, there is no benefit in going into it or opening it up - neither for me nor for anyone else. It must remain in the past.”