Online Reporter
ALEXANDER ISAK has seen his relationship with Newcastle hit rock-bottom following a bombshell transfer statement.
The striker is desperate to join Liverpool before deadline day, with SunSport exclusively revealing their plans for a record £130million swoop next week.Isak blasted Toon, claiming that “trust has been lost” while demanding his switch to Anfield.
In response, Newcastle hit back by insisting the Swede will not be sold unless it is “in the best interests” of the club.
But just how will Isak’s transfer showdown play out?Here, SunSport examines seven ways it could end for the Newcastle misfit…
SOLD TO LIVERPOOL
The ideal ending for Isak is to get his move to Anfield. Liverpool are determined to sign him despite already landing Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz.But the Reds insist they will not pay beyond their means. The champs are happy to pay £130m, but if Newcastle demand a penny more it could scupper the entire move.
STRIKE FOR THE YEAR
Isak has downed his tools and is refusing to train or play. That’s despite having three years left on his contract.If a move to Liverpool doesn’t occur, it could see Isak rot in the reserves for at least the next 12 months.But once his year in solitary is over, the door would likely be open for him to finally quit – with clubs like Barcelona and Bayern Munich possibly needing a new striker next summer.
Carlos Tevez famously went on strike at Man City in 2011 after refusing to come on as a sub under Roberto Mancini.
He even returned to Argentina after refusing to play for City again.But Tevez eventually came back into the fold after issuing a full apology.
RESOLVE AND PAY RISE
Newcastle’s dream ending, for the players AND Howe.
The only way back for Isak, in the eyes of fans, is to sign a new contract.
That would reaffirm his commitment to the club. But it would likely end his chances of ever leaving in a big-money move.Wayne Rooney was in a similar predicament when he nearly joined Chelsea in 2014, only to change his mind and commit himself to Man United on fresh terms.
STAY A YEAR, SELL TO NON-RIVAL
Another solution could be for Isak to put aside his issues and agree to stay for a year.
This would then see Newcastle sell the Swede next summer at a set price.
However, the door may only be open to a non-rival club in order for Toon to protect their interests in the Premier League.
One past example was Luka Modric’s move from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2012, when the previous year saw him push to join London rivals Chelsea.
Just before that, Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to intervene when Real Madrid came calling for Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Man United boss was left incensed when Spanish chiefs attempted to swoop for CR7 in 2008.Fergie refused to sell, but promised Ronaldo to let him go a year later for a world-record fee – which Real eventually delivered in 2009.
SAUDI TRANSFER
The oil-rich clubs of the Middle East are always on the hunt for a big name.And many are sure to be watching from the sideline in case Isak opens the door to a switch late on.
The wages on offer could certainly make it a tempting offer if there are no other options on the table.But Toon’s ownership by Saudi’s PIF, who are also in charge of most of their nation’s top clubs, means they would not be able to use the Isak money to balance PSR and Financial Fair Play numbers.
LOAN EXIT
A quick way out for Isak could be a temporary one.
A loan move would allow him and Newcastle to part ways and put their issues on hold for one season.
Then next summer, the two parties can meet with all cards already on the table. Victor Osimhen had a similar situation last year as he eventually moved from Napoli to Galatasaray, while Marcus Rashford ditched Man Utd for Aston Villa before joining Barcelona.
WAIT FOR JANUARY
Likely to be an unwanted option for all parties but perhaps the most viable.
Keeping the saga rumbling into winter means Newcastle get to win their war of attrition against Liverpool for this summer at least.
But with Isak still likely to be on strike, it could continue to cause a bad atmosphere in the changing room.
Chelsea had a similar situation with Diego Costa when he was axed by Antonio Conte after the 2017 title win.
The striker only wanted to rejoin Atletico Madrid and ended up fleeing to Brazil until a deal was struck for January 2018. -Sun.
