The future of Alexander Isak at Newcastle United appears bleak, according to former England captain Wayne Rooney, who believes the Swedish striker has burned too many bridges to return to the Magpies’ squad. Rooney’s strong stance comes amidst a turbulent transfer saga that saw Isak reportedly go on strike in an attempt to force a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
Isak recently broke his silence on the situation, claiming that promises made to him by the club had been broken, leading to his desire to seek a new challenge. However, Newcastle swiftly responded with a firm statement, denying any commitment to sell the player and effectively shutting down the possibility of a transfer this window.
Speaking on his BBC podcast, ‘The Wayne Rooney Show’, before Isak’s public statement, Rooney delivered a scathing assessment of the situation. His comments, reported on Thursday, suggest a complete lack of sympathy for Isak’s actions and a firm belief that he would be unwelcome back in the Newcastle dressing room.
“If I’m a Newcastle player, I don’t want Isak back,” Rooney stated emphatically. “I think if players leave football clubs – and that happens all the time – there’s a way to go about it. You can’t go on strike, can’t not turn up for training and train with your team-mates. If you want to leave the club or not, you have to be there for your team-mates and be ready if needed.”
Rooney continued, “For me, I don’t think there’s any way back for Isak at Newcastle. I think there are cases where it can happen, but from me as a person, I don’t think I could accept them back. In terms of Isak’s team-mates, I wouldn’t want him back.”
The Manchester United legend stressed the importance of professionalism, even when seeking a transfer. “You can ask to leave a football club – that happens, or the club tell you you’re leaving – but you have to be professional. You’ve got friends in there who you play with, you have fans who are paying a lot of money to support, and you can’t just walk out on it. And if they’re going to do it once, they’ll do it again.”
Rooney’s comments highlight the potential damage Isak’s actions have caused to the team spirit at Newcastle. Going on strike is seen as a severe breach of trust and a sign of disrespect to both teammates and the club’s supporters. The former striker believes that such behavior is unforgivable and would create an irreparable rift between Isak and the rest of the squad.
The situation raises questions about the future of player conduct in the modern game. While players have the right to seek opportunities that best suit their careers, Rooney argues that this must be done with professionalism and respect for all parties involved. Isak’s case serves as a cautionary tale for other players considering similar tactics.
Newcastle United’s firm stance on the matter suggests they are unwilling to be held hostage by players seeking to force their way out of the club. The Magpies are determined to maintain a strong sense of discipline and unity within the squad, and they are prepared to stand their ground even if it means losing a valuable asset like Isak.
The saga is far from over, and it remains to be seen whether Isak will eventually be allowed to leave Newcastle. However, Rooney’s comments make it clear that even if a transfer does materialize, the Swedish striker will have irrevocably damaged his reputation at St. James’ Park.
