Alan Shearer: Alexander Isak’s behaviour to force move a bad look for football

Isak effectively went on strike in order to push through his British record £125million transfer to Liverpool.

Alexander Isak refused to play for Newcastle this season (Owen Humphreys/PA)

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer believed Alexander Isak’s behaviour in forcing a move to Liverpool was “a really bad look for football”.

Isak effectively went on strike in order to push through his British record £125million transfer to the Anfield club on Monday, refusing to play for the Magpies at the start of the Premier League season.

Shearer said: “I didn’t like how it got to the end. I don’t think it’s ever right that a player should go on strike and refuse to play for a club whilst you’re being paid and have a contract.

Newcastle United can announce the sale of striker Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a significant British record transfer fee.

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) September 1, 2025

“I understand it from the other way around, when a club wants to get rid of you they do, but they’re still paying your wages. When you sign a contract, you’re obliged to fulfil it.”

The former England captain added to Betfair: “Alexander Isak is a good player, going to a great football club who will no doubt challenge for all the big trophies. But, as I said, I don’t like how it happened. He’ll have his reasons, I’m sure.

“We can thank him for what he did at Newcastle, but it’s been a messy situation all summer.

“I don’t think it’s done anyone any good. It’s been a really bad look for football and for the fans because they’re the paying public, the ones that make this great game of ours.

It's not a good look at all when you’re being paid by a club and refuse to play

“It’s not a good look at all when you’re being paid by a club and refuse to play.

“Ultimately, he got his move to Liverpool, that’s what he wanted.”

Isak’s agent Vlado Lemic sent a message to talkSPORT, hinting at bad feeling between his client and Newcastle.

He 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.”