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Isak’s $175 million Liverpool move a ‘sad day for football’?
Robin Bairner
- Updated: 3 Sep 2025 04:33 CDT
- 3 min read
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Alexander Isak’s transfer to Liverpool is a “sad day for football”, according to Anfield legend Jamie Carragher.
Isak left Newcastle to sign for the Anfield club on Deadline Day for a British record fee of $175 million, but the manner in which he forced his exit from Newcastle United has left a sour taste in the mouth of the St James’ Park club.
The 25-year-old striker went on strike to force his move away and even released a public statement condemning the Magpies for breaking promises that they had made to him. This led to an ugly public spat between the parties.
Ultimately, Liverpool were able to get the deal completed, but Carragher is worried that the saga, along with that of Yoane Wissa who similarly forced his way to Newcastle from Brentford, could set a precedent.
“Other players in this position in a year's time will look at how Isak and Wissa have gone about it and how that gives them a greater opportunity to get out - and that would be a sad day for football. Because I don't think it's been great how both players have conducted themselves,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“I have no issue with players wanting to leave a club - transfers happen and it's part and parcel of the game. It's understandable that those two players want to move on and play for bigger clubs to give them a better chance for their careers and to win more silverware, or maybe gain more money.
“But I can't help but think that if someone is putting thousands of pounds in your bank account every week, you should be training and playing.”
Agent takes Newcastle parting shot
Isak may have released a statement indicating that he is “forever grateful” to Newcastle, but the ill-feeling between the parties continues to boil under the surface.
This was evidenced when Isak’s agent Vlado Lemic sent a statement to TalkSport on Tuesday apparently on behalf of the player.
Lemic said: “It's nice when you have someone to be with, but it is even nicer when you know who you will never be with again.”
While there was no additional context, it’s clear to see that Isak is not only delighted with his new club but is particularly delighted to be away from Newcastle.
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