Newcastle United have been told why letting Alexander Isak leave for Liverpool can be in their best interests too as the striker continues to hold out for the move.
Liverpool have already seen a bid rejected by Newcastle, who have found themselves faced with unexpected pressure this summer regarding Isak’s future. While they previously hoped to extend his contract, they’re now aware he doesn’t want to. Coupled with their struggles to sign many of their own targets, it’s only compounded a challenging summer for the Magpies.
Newcastle face an anxious wait on two fronts: to see if Liverpool will bid again for Isak, and to see if the player himself will get back involved with them after not taking part in pre-season.
Isak has been one of Newcastle’s best players ever since he became their record signing three years ago. But if Liverpool put the pressure on again, Newcastle may have nowhere to turn.
Now, Newcastle have been advised – by an admittedly partial former Liverpool player – why they should cash in on the unsettled Swedish star.
Jermaine Pennant told talkSPORT: “If you’ve got one hand tied behind your back, then it’s very difficult to get transfers in and build on your team and then you’re fighting a losing battle.
“I’m not just saying this because I’m a Liverpool fan but wouldn’t it be in probably everybody’s best interest if Newcastle cashed in on Isak?
“It’s because not only will you be getting [£110m], [Newcastle] will be getting [rid of] a player that is very unhappy and you may not get the best out of him this season because of all the noise that’s gone on.
“You then can use that money to replace and get other players without worrying about PSR. And then everyone gets what they want and Newcastle rebuild and move on.”
‘No guarantee’ warning about Isak to Liverpool
Newcastle have still been trying to extend Isak’s contract, even if it’s just a way of keeping him for one more season.
However, Isak has shown no interest in negotiating fresh terms with Newcastle, preferring to push as hard as he can to force a move to Liverpool.
One counter-argument for signing a new contract would be that it could contain a release clause to facilitate a future move, but Pennant has pointed to how things might have changed by the same time next year.
The pundit added: “There’s no guarantee, he could get injured. There’s no guarantee Liverpool will want to go back in next year.
“We’ve seen what happened to James Maddison. It’s very difficult to see. He’s out for the season now.
“All it takes is one injury to then your career, literally go, get railroaded off track. So it’s all good saying we’ll give him this in the next season, but it’s all ifs and buts we don’t know what’s around the corner.
“I think it will be in everyone’s best interest if Newcastle took £110m.
“Well, he’s unhappy, so [if he stays] you might not be getting your best player.”
Be the first to comment