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Tag: Alexander Isak

  • Rooney Turns Up the Heat on Isak After Liverpool Fall to United; “he deserves to be benched”

    In the aftermath of Liverpool’s 2–1 defeat to Manchester United, football legend Wayne Rooney has dropped a bombshell opinion — he says he’d bench Alexander Isak and start Hugo Ekitike instead.

    Speaking on BBC’s “The Wayne Rooney Show,” the former Manchester United captain didn’t hold back in his analysis of Isak’s poor run of form.

    “I wouldn’t play Isak, he hasn’t looked ready since coming from Newcastle,” Rooney said. “He hasn’t trained, hasn’t had a preseason. It’s so important. While Newcastle were training he was probably sat at home on the phone to his agent for six hours a day trying to get a move.”

    Rooney added that Isak’s struggles stem from his disrupted preparation.

    “It’s so difficult when you don’t have a preseason. He might’ve done stuff by himself but he’s paying the price of it. On performances, he doesn’t deserve to be playing ahead of Ekitike.”

    Liverpool boss Arne Slot had opted to start Isak over Ekitike, leaving the French forward on the bench. But Isak failed to justify his manager’s faith, missing a golden first-half opportunity when he went one-on-one with goalkeeper Senne Lammens, only to see his shot saved.

    The Swedish striker is still chasing his first Premier League goal for Liverpool after four appearances, despite joining the club last month in a British-record £125 million ($171m) transfer. His only goal so far came in the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.

    Sunday’s defeat marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive loss in all competitions. Harry Maguire’s late header sealed victory for United, leaving Liverpool fourth in the Premier League table, four points behind leaders Arsenal.

    Rooney suggested that complacency and pressure may be creeping into Arne Slot’s camp.

    “They’ve got a bit complacent,” Rooney noted. “For Arne Slot, you forget because he won the Premier League, but he’s still quite young — 46 years of age — and this was the first time he has lost four in a row in his career.”

    “[Against United] he was arguing with the officials on the touchline, I haven’t seen that before from him. We’re starting to see things unfold which shows that there’s pressure there.”

    With mounting tension at Anfield and Rooney’s bold verdict now echoing across football circles, all eyes will be on Arne Slot’s next lineup — and whether Hugo Ekitike finally gets his shot to lead Liverpool’s attack.

  • five players may miss Liverpool’s match against Newcastle as Eddie Howe provides Alexander Isak update

    five players may miss Liverpool’s match against Newcastle as Eddie Howe provides Alexander Isak update

    Latest Liverpool FC Updates Ahead of Newcastle Showdown at St James’ Park

    Up to five players may miss tonight’s Premier League fixture in the North East.

    Liverpool face off with Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Monday evening, as both teams aim to gain ground in the league standings.

    The Reds began their campaign with a convincing 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side saw late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah seal the win in the final minutes.

    In contrast, Newcastle played out a 0-0 stalemate with Aston Villa. With Alexander Isak currently refusing to play amid a push to join Liverpool, Eddie Howe turned to Anthony Gordon to lead the Magpies’ attack.

    Although Liverpool may feel confident, Newcastle are eager to prove to their absent striker exactly what he’s walking away from. Unfortunately for Slot, up to five players might be unavailable for selection tonight.

    Frimpong Sidelined With Hamstring Issue

    Last weekend, Jeremie Frimpong sustained a hamstring injury during the Bournemouth clash. The 24-year-old full-back, signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £29.5 million earlier this summer, had to be withdrawn around the hour mark.

    Speaking during Thursday’s press conference, Slot provided an update: “The medical team was completely right about Jeremie to tell me that I had to take him off, because he is out until the end of the international break, and that happened in the game.

    I already said immediately after the game that it had nothing to do with how he played, but we felt he had an issue with his hamstring. And with ‘we’ I don’t mean me, but the medical staff.

    And they were completely right. So, a good call to take him off; otherwise, he would have maybe been out for longer. And we expect to have him back after the international break.”

    Gomez and Bradley Both Remain Doubts 

    Joe Gomez made a brief return from injury with an 18-minute appearance against Bournemouth, but doubts remain over his readiness for a full return.

    Slot explained: “For him to play 20 minutes [this season] is already quite a lot. I wouldn’t say he had a setback, but he wasn’t able to train with us three days in a row completely with the team, which is completely normal if you have been out for so long and all of a sudden the manager needs you for 20 minutes.

    He is training with the team, so let’s see where he is on Monday, if he can be involved in the team, or if he can even start. But there are other options.”

    Conor Bradley is also in doubt for the clash, having missed both the Community Shield and the league opener.

    “Conor trained for a few minutes with us today for the first time,” Slot added.

    Newcastle Missing Isak and Possibly Willock

    Newcastle’s injury list is considerably shorter, with only two potential absentees. Alexander Isak remains unavailable, and Joe Willock has only just resumed full training. Meanwhile, Jacob Ramsey—recently signed from Aston Villa for £40 million—is expected to feature.

    Speaking on Willock, Howe shared: “Joe trained on Tuesday and Wednesday and trained really well. When he went down in the game [in Korea] I thought he was going to be out longer term, it didn’t look good. Credit to him, he’s got back fit and looking good.”

    Regarding Isak’s situation, Howe expressed disappointment: “It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must. The club has spoken, and justifiably so in that moment.

    He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, and that’s regrettable. But 100 percent I want him back in a Newcastle 

  • “Slot Speaks Out Ahead of Liverpool’s Clash with Newcastle as Isak Transfer Saga Heats Up”

    “Slot Speaks Out Ahead of Liverpool’s Clash with Newcastle as Isak Transfer Saga Heats Up”

    Arne Slot speaks exclusively to Sky Sports’ Vinny O’Connor ahead of Monday’s clash with Newcastle and weighs in on Alexander Isak speculation

    When asked who Liverpool’s main title challengers are this season, Arne Slot isn’t ready to name names just yet.

    Instead, the Liverpool boss references the “usual suspects,” who he expects to be in contention throughout the campaign. Early-season form is offering some clues, with Arsenal starting strong with two wins, Chelsea catching the eye with their Friday night performance, and Tottenham potentially emerging as a dark horse under new manager Thomas Frank after consecutive victories.

    Liverpool themselves made a statement with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth on the opening weekend—though the match wasn’t without its complications.

    Slot acknowledges the Reds are still a work in progress, especially after a £300m summer overhaul. Speaking to Sky Sports, he praised the team’s resilience in bouncing back from a “difficult position” against the Cherries, with late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mo Salah sealing the result. New arrival Hugo Ekitike also impressed on his debut.

    Liverpool would have entered the title race conversation even without their significant spending spree. But as the biggest spenders in this summer’s Premier League transfer window, expectations are now even higher as Slot looks to build on a successful first season.

    “Very happy with the squad”

    So, does Slot think the current squad is enough to compete—or is there still room for additions?

    “No, I’m very happy with the squad we’re having now,” he insists. “Very happy, as you could see, Friday night as well, that we could impact the game from the bench, as we did so many times last season.

    “So, yeah, happy, but as always, if it’s 10 days to go, I don’t know how long the market is open, we will always look.”

    On Isak: “Let’s talk about Hugo”

    Naturally, the conversation shifts to Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, who has publicly stated he wants to leave the club—prompting speculation that Liverpool could make a move.

    Could Liverpool be tempted to act before the transfer window shuts on September 1?

    Slot diverts attention, preferring to focus on one of his new signings.

    “I think the way Hugo Ekitike started his career at Liverpool, we should talk about him and say how well he did,” Slot replies, downplaying the Isak links.

    “It would be unfair to him to talk about other targets if they are actually there. And if they are there, we don’t speak about them in public. But I think the main thing should be that we talk about how well Hugo has done until now.”

    Isak remains a major talking point in the buildup to Monday night’s Liverpool-Newcastle showdown—live on Sky Sports. However, the Swedish international will not feature, leaving a significant void in Eddie Howe’s squad. Howe called the situation a “lose-lose” in his own recent interview.

    “He’s a big, big, big threat”

    Is Slot relieved that his side, still facing scrutiny over their defensive performances, won’t have to deal with Isak at St James’ Park?

    “He scored against us in the League Cup final, and he scored against us in the away game [last season],” Slot points out.

    “So yeah, if they have him, he’s a big, big, big threat, but like any other team in the Premier League, if one is injured or not there, it’s not like the manager has to look at his bench and say, ‘now I have no one to play anymore’.”

    Slot acknowledges Newcastle’s attacking options beyond Isak:

    “For them to play [Anthony] Gordon, [Anthony] Elanga and [Harvey] Barnes and still having [Jacob] Murphy on the bench like last time, maybe it changes this game, it tells you how much quality they still have available.”

    “We need to be much better”

    Slot is under increased pressure in his second year at Anfield, particularly with fans eager for the club’s first league title since 2019/20 and with several new signings to integrate.

    Does the Isak saga add extra intrigue to the match?

    “The atmosphere was amazing last year [at St James’ Park], and the intensity levels of their players were amazing, and there were no talks then. They fully deserved to win the League Cup final from us,” Slot admits.

    “So yeah, if they can even add intensity to those two games, that would be really special. Even if we would have been at our best, I would be far from sure we could have beaten that Newcastle team on that day, because they were outstanding.”

    Slot reflects on last season’s challenges and what must improve:

    “What I do know is that we need to be much better than we were. In the end of the season, it was harder and harder for us to win our game. I think we had to rely a few times on our set-pieces back then as well.”

    History on Liverpool’s side

    Newcastle have failed to beat Liverpool in their last 17 Premier League meetings, a run that stretches back to December 2015 under Steve McClaren. Eddie Howe will be desperate to rewrite that narrative—but without his top striker, the task becomes all the more difficult.

  • Alexander Isak Saga Nears Climax as ‘Insiders’ Hint at Key Date Before Liverpool’s Final Bid

    Alexander Isak Saga Nears Climax as ‘Insiders’ Hint at Key Date Before Liverpool’s Final Bid

    Liverpool are preparing to “strike with one last bid” for Alexander Isak, as sources close to the situation suggest developments could accelerate quickly following what’s been described as a “significant” turning point.

    The Swedish striker is currently training separately from his Newcastle United teammates and has made himself unavailable for selection, aiming to force through a transfer to Liverpool. In a public statement released via social media on Tuesday, Isak cited “broken promises” as the reason behind his refusal to play.

    Isak: “Promises were broken and trust is lost”

    Taking to Instagram, Isak shared his frustrations:

    “I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken.”

    “That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.”

    “The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.”

    “When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”

    In response, Newcastle issued a firm statement: “We have been clear that the conditions for a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee these conditions being met.”

    Tension builds ahead of Liverpool clash at St James’ Park

    Isak now finds himself in a state of uncertainty, with Liverpool holding off on submitting another offer until Newcastle are willing to engage in negotiations—something the club insists won’t happen.

    However, manager Eddie Howe offered a revealing comment during his Friday press conference: “It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly.”

    That statement may be a nod to the critical timing of Newcastle’s upcoming match against Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday. According to Chronicle Live’s chief Newcastle correspondent Lee Ryder, “the word from insiders – at both ends of the deal – is that everything post-Monday night feels significant”, suggesting Liverpool may be planning a final move after the two sides meet on the pitch.

    Ryder further explained:

    “Newcastle were never going to gift Liverpool their prized striker and then watch on as Isak made his debut in red against the Magpies at St James’ Park.”

    “And there is a feeling at the Anfield end that there was always going to be a follow-up to the bid of around £110m which was launched at the start of this month. However, it was hardly going to come in the build-up to the Reds’ visit to St James’ Park.”

    Slot gives green light as pressure mounts – new striker targets emerge

    Elsewhere, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a Liverpool signing is “absolutely on” while confirming “important” developments in the Isak saga, which included a “new call” regarding the striker’s future.

    There have now been three Alexander Isak ‘bombshells’, as Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reportedly given the “green light” for a final push, while Jamie Carragher has publicly warned the club: “It cannot be Isak or no one”, urging Liverpool not to be left short in attack in the event of a failed move.

    Newcastle eye replacements as pressure grows

    When asked whether Newcastle could allow Isak to leave without securing a replacement, Howe responded: “I don’t think the club will allow that situation to happen.”

    In the search for alternatives, Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope provided an update on Newcastle’s striker hunt, revealing a “new name in the mix”.

    Posting on X, Hope wrote: “Newcastle currently exploring two or three striker options as they wait for progress (or otherwise) on Yoane Wissa. Answers wanted today. One new name in the mix & discussed is Alexander Sorloth at Atletico Madrid. As for Jorgen Strand-Larsen, Wolves do NOT want to sell.”

  • What’s Going On Behind the Scenes?’ – Expert Puzzled by Liverpool’s Isak Tactics

    What’s Going On Behind the Scenes?’ – Expert Puzzled by Liverpool’s Isak Tactics

    Liverpool have not exactly “covered themselves in glory” during their efforts to land Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak this transfer window.

    Isak is reportedly eager to secure a move to Liverpool, who have identified him as their priority signing with the window set to close on 1 September.

    However, the Reds had a substantial £110million bid — plus add-ons — turned down, as Newcastle are holding out for a figure closer to £150million.

    As previously reported by Football Insider on 11 August, Newcastle are adamant that Isak won’t be sold unless they manage to secure a high-calibre replacement before the deadline.

    Following Liverpool’s interest, Isak is said to be unwilling to play under Eddie Howe for the time being and was left out of the Magpies’ matchday squad for their 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday (16 August).

    Alexander Isak may need to ‘eat humble pie’ at Newcastle

    Isak stunned fans with a public statement on Tuesday (19 August), claiming that certain “promises” made by the club have been “broken,” and that he no longer feels he can trust them.

    The Swedish striker, who signed a six-year contract with Newcastle in 2022 after a £63million switch from Real Sociedad, is tied to the club until June 2028.

    Speaking on the Inside Track podcast by Football Insider, Wyness commented: “I think Liverpool haven’t covered themselves in glory either.”

    “They obviously had a price for the player, but it’s not one that they obviously shared with the agent. And if that’s as high as they’re going to bid, then I’d love to know what they’ve told the agent and what they thought they were going to go in and cement the deal on because it’s not turning out to be what everybody thought.”

    “It’s an unfortunate mess, particularly when he’s such a good, young, talented player. He seemed like a nice kid as well. Handled himself well. Never seemed to be in big trouble.”

    “A couple of injuries, but nevertheless an outstanding talent, and it’s a shame and I hope that gets cleared up. It will be in the next couple of weeks one way or another.”

    “Either he’s going to have to eat humble pie at Newcastle, and I think the fans will understand to a degree, it’s the modern game, or else Liverpool’s going to have to pay the money.”

    Liverpool set to accept offer for Kostas Tsimikas

    Meanwhile, in a possible outgoing at Anfield, Football Insider reports that Liverpool are preparing to part ways with Kostas Tsimikas before the transfer window shuts.

    Manager Arne Slot made a strong statement about the 29-year-old’s place in the squad, excluding him from both the Community Shield and the opening Premier League match against Bournemouth.

    This decision follows Liverpool’s acquisition of Milos Kerkez, who is expected to challenge Andy Robertson for the starting left-back role.

     

  • Liverpool sent a transfer demand amid Alexander Isak links, As Florian Wirtz decision was rendered

    Liverpool sent a transfer demand amid Alexander Isak links, As Florian Wirtz decision was rendered

    Liverpool’s summer transfer window is already heating up — and one name making serious waves is Alexander Isak. The Newcastle United striker, who was signed in August 2022 for a club-record £63 million, is once again being linked with a move to Merseyside.

    This isn’t a new rumor. The Sweden international has long been admired by the Reds, even before he scored that decisive goal against Liverpool in last season’s League Cup Final at Wembley — a moment that secured Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years.

    Adding fuel to the speculation, former Liverpool forward Robbie Keane has spoken out, insisting his old side must bring in a new striker this summer. Speaking to Betway, Keane didn’t mince words:

    “I think Liverpool need a striker. Darwin Nunez looks like he’ll probably leave, and they’ll prioritise a real No. 9.”

    The context here is clear. Both Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota are facing uncertain futures at Anfield.

    Nunez, who only started eight Premier League matches last season, has been linked with a switch to Napoli, while clubs in Saudi Arabia are reportedly circling as well. Meanwhile, Jota kicked off last season strongly, starting in seven of the first eight league fixtures, contributing four goals and three assists across all competitions. But injuries disrupted his rhythm — first sidelined in October, then again early in the new year. Still, the Portuguese forward played a key role in helping Liverpool clinch the title.

    Keane, however, is realistic about the potential shake-up in Liverpool’s attack:

    “There’s talk about Diogo Jota going as well. I like Jota, he’s a good player and he can play in different positions, but I definitely think they’ll freshen things up.”

    And freshen things up they have. Florian Wirtz, the highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen attacker, has officially joined the Reds. The 22-year-old arrives on Merseyside in a deal worth £100 million, with a potential £16 million in add-ons — a figure that could eclipse the British transfer record currently held by Moises Caicedo’s £115 million move to Chelsea in 2023.

    Liverpool fended off intense competition from Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Real Madrid to land the Germany international, and Keane couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the signing:

    “Florian Wirtz is a wonderful player – very technical, very clever, he always picks the right pass and was brilliant under Xabi Alonso. He’ll fit in no problem at Liverpool.”

    As for the upcoming season, Keane has no doubts about where his loyalty — and prediction — lies:

    “Liverpool will be my pick for the title again next season. The squad they already have is strong, and then you add in a few players like Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong and you can only see them getting better.”

    With the window still open and Liverpool already making major moves, it’s shaping up to be an intriguing summer at Anfield. Alexander Isak could yet be the next headline arrival.

     

  • Liverpool Eye £100m Superstar Swoop to Form Dream Duo with Wirtz

    Liverpool Eye £100m Superstar Swoop to Form Dream Duo with Wirtz

    This just in from the transfer front: Liverpool are stepping up their summer business—and their latest target is turning heads across Europe.

    Liverpool set their sights on none other than Newcastle United’s prolific striker, Alexander Isak. The Swedish international, who is fresh off a sensational season, is now at the center of a potential blockbuster move.

    Isak, widely considered the Premier League’s most in-form striker, was instrumental in Newcastle’s Champions League qualification and their English League Cup triumph. With 27 goals last season, it’s no surprise he’s become one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe.

    According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, new Liverpool manager Arne Slot has placed Isak high on his wishlist. The 25-year-old’s consistent performances and clinical finishing have clearly caught the Dutchman’s attention.

    Former Reds legend Michael Owen didn’t hold back in his praise either, calling Isak a “top-class” striker who “would walk into any team.” And with Darwin Núñez managing just seven goals in all competitions last term, there’s a growing sense within Anfield that a reliable frontman is crucial if Liverpool want to stay competitive on all fronts.

    Now here’s where things get serious—Liverpool are reportedly ready to table a €120 million (£100m) offer. A bold move that could force Newcastle’s hand, though the Magpies are still keen to extend Isak’s stay on Tyneside.

    The big question: Can Liverpool convince Newcastle to part with their star forward? While Newcastle won’t want to lose their prized asset, the pull of playing for a European heavyweight like Liverpool, not to mention the chance to compete for Premier League and Champions League titles, might just sway Isak.

    As for the financial side, Liverpool are also lining up a club-record deal for Florian Wirtz. Pulling off two marquee signings in one window would be a statement of serious intent—but it raises questions about budget and priorities.

    One thing’s certain—we’ll be watching this story develop very closely. Stay tuned for updates as the Isak-to-Liverpool saga unfolds.