(Credit: Imago)

Ben Palmer

Fri 15 August 2025 17:10, UK

Alexander Isak’s decision to strike at Newcastle in order to force a move to Liverpool is one of the “lowest things a player can stoop to”.

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That is the view of former England and Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier, who told Football Insider exclusively that the Swedish striker’s actions were “incredibly disrespectful” to both the Magpies and their supporters.

Isak has been a Liverpool target for much of the summer, and is now doing all he can to make a move to Anfield a reality.

Following Hugo Ekitike’s decision to reject a move to Newcastle in favour of joining Arne Slot‘s side, the Swedish striker was then left out of the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Asia, with the club citing a muscular injury as the reason for his absence.

Hugo Ekitike was a Newcastle target before joining Liverpool.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

But that line quickly unravelled when it came to light that Isak was keeping fit at his former club Real Sociedad‘s training facilities.

Since then, there has been no breakthrough for Newcastle in their attempts to resolve the issue, and the 25-year-old continues to be absent from the club.

This article contains exclusive comment from former Southampton and England striker Matt Le Tissier.

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Newcastle chose not to renew Isak’s contract last summer, due to concerns about their ability to be compliant with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

The striker and his agent feel disrespected by the lack of a new deal, and that has played a part in the former Borussia Dortmund man’s push to leave St.

James’ Park this summer.

However, Premier League legend Le Tissier told Football Insider he was appalled by Isak’s behaviour, condemning his decision to go on strike whilst he has three years remaining on his current deal.

He said: “Firstly, I think it’s incredibly disrespectful to the football club that he’s at and the fans of that football club.

“You sign a contract at a football club, you’re happy you sign that contract, you like the money you’re on, and you should stick with that contract until the club agree for a fee to sell you.

“I think it’s as simple as that.

I think striking when a club is paying you exorbitant amounts of money is one of the lowest things you can stoop to, to force a move in my opinion.

“It’s a move made for me, by the morally bankrupt amongst players.

Very frustrating.”

Isak will not participate in the Magpies’ opening games of the 2025/26 Premier League season, it would seem, heightening the need for a new number nine.

Yoane Wissa has been a target for Newcastle after scoring 19 goals for Brentford in the league last season.

(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

The Magpies have found it difficult to get a deal over the line, with the Bees keen on keeping their striker.

However, Eddie Howe’s side have been given a breakthrough in their pursuit of Wissa, as Brentford have agreed a deal to sign Dango Ouattara, opening the door for the 28-year-old to leave the GTech this summer.

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