Alexander Isak
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Newcastle United’s recent transfer saga involving Alexander Isak has stirred significant controversy, particularly among former players. Isak’s move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day has not only left a void in Newcastle’s attack but also raised questions about player loyalty and the shifting dynamics of power in football transfers.
John Beresford said: “Isak signed a contract – call me a dinosaur, but you honour that, not go on strike, so this is very different. Look at Marc Guehi at Crystal Palace he wanted to go but he honoured his contract, he could have kicked off like you’ll never know. For me, though, this is not a good look for Isak, the way he has dealt with it, and he has to live with that now. He did not show the respect he should have to Newcastle. The position he found himself in was because of Newcastle United – they gave him the platform to impress. I was hoping that he may have been held back and told he could move AFTER this season. That would have been my trade-off. You can’t have a player sacking off training or refusing to play, it angered me. Unfortunately for Newcastle, what Isak did has worked.”
Beresford, who was present at St James’ Park during Andy Cole’s unexpected transfer to Manchester United in 1995, highlighted the stark differences between the two situations. While Cole was unaware of the impending transfer, Isak reportedly refused to play after learning of Liverpool’s interest. This decision has not only angered Beresford but also sparked a broader discussion about the influence of player power in modern football.
Beresford added: “I think the club probably got a fair fee and they have sold him. But he should not be able to demand or refuse anyway. I wasn’t happy with that at all. In my day, the clubs had the power, but now player power is there, and it has gone too far. I suppose you look at it and say Yoane Wissa is the replacement, maybe we have paid over the odds but claimed it back from Liverpool because of the Isak fee. We know Isak is a special player, but now maybe the team can make up for the goals that have been lost. Can Woltemade and Wissa get the goals between them? I hope they can.”
The departure of Isak brought Newcastle a substantial £130 million, which they quickly reinvested in players like Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. Beresford expressed hope that these new signings could fill the void left by Isak and help Newcastle maintain their competitive edge.
Beresford continued: “But you reap what you sow. I am one of those who hope he only does OK at Liverpool. Usually, I would be of the thinking that if it was done correctly with all parties, he deserved that move. The way he dealt with it, though, part of me thinks I hope he falls flat on his face and it doesn’t go well for him because he had it all at Newcastle. That’s just how I see it as an ex-pro, if a club is good to you, there has to be some type of loyalty, and that works both ways for club and player.”
As Newcastle United prepares for upcoming matches against Wolves and Barcelona, the focus shifts to how the team will adapt without Isak. Beresford remains optimistic about the club’s future, emphasizing the need for a top-tier centre-forward to enhance their attacking prowess.
Beresford concluded: “I watched the Leeds game with ex-England and Sheff Wed striker, a big mate of mine, David Hirst. He felt that all Newcastle lacks is that elite centre-forward. If we’d had that we’d have won games. I bumped into Alan Shearer at the Liverpool game, and said: ‘You’d have had a couple tonight’. All that Newcastle are lacking is a player that can time their run into the box, strikers have that know-how, Anthony Gordon is a great player, but does not have that instinct. Anthony is quick, but he is not a centre-forward in his head, he’s a winger.”
As the dust settles on Isak’s departure, Newcastle United must now focus on rebuilding and strategizing for a successful season ahead.
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