Former Alexander Isak teammate believes rule change is needed after the star’s Liverpool move
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Alexander Isak made his move to Liverpool in the summer transfer window, much to the delight of supporters.
The Swedish international was a sought-after striker after being a key part of Newcastle United’s resurgence under Eddie Howe, scoring 54 goals for the Tyneside team.
However, Isak wanted a move to Merseyside during this summer’s transfer window, following a successful season which saw him help the Magpies win their first trophy in 70 years and reach the Champions League.
The 26-year-old, though, preferred a move to be involved with Arne Slot’s successful Premier League title-winning setup, which he eventually made after a tumultuous transfer window saga.
He joined on deadline day following social media statements, missed pre-season games, and missed the first games of the season for Newcastle.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
It was those tactics that eventually forced the move that cost Liverpool £125 million, but it was an investment in one of football’s premier talents.
However, these decisions over the transfer window to escape his old club were criticised by the football media because others who did not employ any tactics were not as fortunate to get their dream move.
Marc Guehi was an example that was given by pundits as to how they believe transfers should be dealt with by the player who did not intend to force a move and instead had to stay at Crystal Palace when the Liverpool deal fell through.
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It is players like Guehi who Mikael Lustig, a former Sweden teammate of Isak, believes do the right thing in those situations.
Speaking in an interview with Sportbladet, the Swedish player said he is a fan of his ex-teammate but believes the way he forced his move should spark a rule change in football.
Lustig explained: “You are, of course, torn, as I know Isak and know what an incredibly nice and humble guy he is.
“I don’t know if he has been promised things, but Isak is Swedish and came from Real Sociedad.
When he went there, I thought it was a stepping stone for him to the biggest clubs in the world.
“I, who have been in the game for a very long time, know that, unfortunately, that is the way you should do it if you want to get a move through.
There needs to be some kind of rule change to get over that problem.”
It may seem unfair that a player such as Guehi did not get his move, but Isak was promised a move away, and his club tried to block it at any given opportunity, unlike Palace, who seemed more willing to engage.
Following Hugo Ekitike’s red card against Southampton, the striker will now get his chance to start his first league game for Liverpool after making an appearance off the bench last weekend against Everton.
With a debut goal in the League Cup already under his belt, the game against the Eagles this afternoon could be a big opportunity for him to shine and make his mark in that central position.
Glasner’s side are well structured and have been a puzzle in the past for Slot, but he may have the answer to solve it in Isak if he can have his opportunity.
It is an exciting time to be a Red with so much talent at the club’s disposal, and a victory against Palace would be another big step in trying to retain their title.