Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has dominated the news cycle over recent months as the striker pushes to leave Newcastle.

Isak has been one of the best players in the Premier League over the past two seasons, and has become a big name as a result.

Having felt as though a departure from Newcastle was being blocked by the club, the Sweden international has essentially gone on strike and is not currently training or playing for the Magpies.

Liverpool retain hope that they can sign Isak, but with time running out ahead of transfer deadline day, the move very much hangs in the balance.

Gini Wijnaldum says “keep me out of it” after being pulled into Alexander Isak saga	Eddie Howe speaks out on Alexander Isak's 'sad' statement - and tells him to keep quiet - as Newcastle fight back against Liverpool's interest in striker	Eddie Howe speaks out on Alexander Isak's bombshell statement that left him 'saddened' - and admits Newcastle are in a 'lose-lose' situation in Liverpool transfer saga

Part of the problem has been that Newcastle have reportedly been annoyed at Liverpool for a perceived attempt to unsettle their player before bidding under asking price.

But having felt he was being dragged into the Isak saga online, Wijnaldum has answered back.

Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Wijnaldum’s move to Liverpool was nothing like the scale of the one Isak could make nine years later.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman was a big player for Newcastle at the time, top scoring during their unsuccessful attempt to stay up in 2015/16.

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After the Geordies were relegated, though, a transfer was not difficult to do.

“When Liverpool came in for me, I made up my mind that I wanted to come here, but I wasn’t going to force it because I appreciated what Newcastle and their fans did for me.”

READ MORE: What Liverpool are likely to do if they cannot sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle before deadline day – Exclusive

Given the timing of the post and the fact ESPN added a googly eyes emoji following the quote, it could safely be assumed as a nod towards Isak and his own behaviour this summer.

But, to his credit, Wijnaldum was not having any of it.

“Why do you post it like it’s my opinion about Isak [and] his decision?

Thank you.”

Wijnaldum was right to call this out as what feels like another attempt to paint Isak in a bad light following his decisions this summer.

The 25-year-old has been continuously vilified by pundits and press for having the wherewithal to stand up to Newcastle’s broken promises.

Eddie Howe even confirmed during his pre-Liverpool press conference on Friday that he had indeed spoken to Isak about his future before the end of the season.

“Me and Alex had conversations towards the end of the season,” Howe said.

Yes, we had discussions about his future.”

Despite this being a clear fact, Isak remains public enemy number one for refusing to tolerate such betrayals.
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