Liverpool transfer news as Alexander Isak’s ‘wage demands’ lead to criticism for the Newcastle United striker
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United.(Image: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Amid recent reports around the wage demands of Alexander Isak to renew his contract at Newcastle United, former Crystal Palace owner turned pundit Simon Jordan has slammed the striker. Liverpool had the 25-year-old top of their list of targets, at least before making their £79m to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Reds kicked into new life this July following their early summer spending spree. A new striker was top of their list of desires as the ECHO reported interest in Newcastle’s star man Isak, even if long before the window opened it was reported his club would do all they can to prevent a deal from happening.
Liverpool have since made their move for a new forward – landing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt. The £79million France international has signed a six-year contract.
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Meanwhile. Isak is still with his current club preparing for the season ahead but his agent has spoken out. Gonzalo Gaitan said: “We are indeed studying and analysing all options, and we may be close to finalising the next step for the player.”
Behind the scenes Newcastle are thought to wish to eliminate the threat of any club signing their striker, so have conducted contract renewal talks.
On that front, the latest from talkSPORT suggests Isak has laid out wage demands of £300,000-a-week if he is to commit himself to St. James’ Park. In the wake of that information, Jordan was asked if he understands why the player wants that amount.
“There is a part of me that understands that he signed a long-term contract with them, so they don’t have to do anything of the sort,” he replied sarcastically.
“Then you get into the territory of do you have to argue with the reality of a player having the hump?
“I think he’s worth to Newcastle whatever they’re willing to pay. There is a certain limitation to that because it is not just what you do for Isak, it’s what you then have to do for others.
“Of course he is [the star of the show] but there are some other big names in that dressing room. [Sandro] Tonali is no slouch, neither’s [Bruno] Guimaraes, Joelinton and a few of the other players.
“I will consider they are all part of a unique outfit, he might be the cherry on the top, but believe me if someone’s wages go up there’s not an acceptance that he is the star, we shouldn’t get a pay rise.”
Even if Isak does not renew, Newcastle are in possession of the Liverpool target on a contract until the summer of 2028.
Jordan continued:”That (losing him to another club) is always an alternative but you’re as secure as the long-term length of your contract.
“It’s a balancing act between what he wants, what you’ve got him under contract to do, what you gave him when he signed the contract and what opportunities you’ve facilitated for him to come to the Premier League.
“I am with you to some extent, the best players in the world, in the league or the best players at other clubs he could join are getting £300k per week and he could be getting that too.
“But, I am also of the point that he signed a contract. Besides bad form and being a bad actor, he has no leverage. £150m on the nail with no drip feeding down, if people want him that’s what they have to pay.”