'As a CEO, I'm very surprised' - Premier League clubs 'let down' by PIF's Newcastle decision
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Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media/Imago
Alex Oakhill
Wed 3 September 2025 12:50, UK
Newcastle United have let a lot of other clubs down in the way they handled Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool.
Isak’s switch to Anfield was confirmed on deadline day (1 September) with the fee of £125m breaking the British transfer record.
Earlier this summer, Newcastle made it clear that the Swedish international was not for sale, but altered their stance following his actions.
The 25-year-old refused to go on the Magpies’ pre-season tour, as well as not featuring in any of the club’s first three Premier League games, effectively forcing through the move.
However, Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Newcastle have let the football world down by allowing Isak to get his way.
Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media
This article contains exclusive comment from Keith Wyness, former Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen CEO.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that Newcastle should have stood up to Isak and, by allowing him to leave, have set a precedent for other players.
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Yoane Wissa forced through a move to St James’ Park by doing a similar thing to Brentford, reinforcing the idea that players have the power over the clubs.
Wyness added that the price tag of £125m for Isak was probably about right, but that he was very surprised the Magpies’ owners weren’t stronger.
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I think the price is probably right, in terms of the comparable valuations with other players right now.
A striker is always going to command that sort of level.
“Isak has performed at Newcastle for the last couple of seasons, when he was having things to prove.
“I really feel, as a chief executive, that Newcastle have let a lot of the clubs down in terms of the way they didn’t stand up to Isak.
They’re supposed to be a strong group, but have now done this.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool are set to reignite their interest in Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi in January, sources have told Football Insider.
Guehi’s move to Anfield was blocked by Palace even after the transfer deal sheet was submitted, with the South London club unable to find a replacement for their captain.
However, sources say that it is expected that Liverpool will go back in for the 25-year-old at the start of next year, when the transfer window reopens.
With his contract at Selhurst Park expiring next summer, Guehi would be available for a reduced price in the new year, which could tempt Liverpool into making another approach.
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