Merson Says Isak’s Push for Liverpool Move Has Tainted His Legacy at Newcastle

Paul Merson believes Alexander Isak has risked tarnishing his standing at Newcastle United with his attempts to force a transfer to Liverpool this summer.

Isak, who was instrumental in helping the Magpies lift the Carabao Cup last season — their first domestic trophy in 70 years — has told the club he wants to leave amid interest from Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool had a £110m plus add-ons bid rejected, but reports suggest the Sweden international has now vowed never to play for Newcastle again.

The 24-year-old has been training away from Eddie Howe’s first-team squad and will miss Saturday’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa. His stance has left Newcastle fans angry and overshadowed a summer in which the club have already endured frustration in the transfer market.

“He’s taking a big gamble by reportedly saying he’ll never play for Newcastle again,” Merson told Sky Sports. “Newcastle is a one-club city. If he doesn’t get his move, he’ll have to score a lot of goals to win the fans back.”

Merson argued that Isak could have left as a hero had he quietly pursued a move, allowing Newcastle to profit significantly while preserving goodwill.

“If he’d kept quiet, he still could have gone for big money and everyone could have shaken hands. Now that’s gone. This situation is ridiculous — it just shows players have all the power.”

The former Arsenal midfielder also questioned the timing of Isak’s actions, suggesting the striker may have expected Newcastle to accept Liverpool’s initial bid.

“Maybe he thought £110m would be enough. Newcastle held firm and now he’s just desperate to get away. Liverpool won’t offer more — they know Newcastle don’t want an unhappy player.”

Isak has three years left on his contract, but Merson pointed out that Newcastle’s refusal to sell could leave them with a high-profile player unwilling to play.

“This is a club that put him on the map. He was obviously a good player before, but Newcastle made him a global name. If he’d stayed professional, a deal would have happened eventually. Now, sadly, people will remember the way it ended rather than what he achieved.”

With games against Villa, Liverpool, and Leeds on the horizon, Merson warned that Newcastle could suffer on the pitch if the situation drags on.

“It’s mind-blowing this can happen. Players sign big contracts and get paid well, but the moment another club comes in, they can just decide they won’t play. I don’t like it. Isak’s handled this all wrong — and he’s gone from hero to villain in a matter of weeks.”