Alexander Isak contract decision leaves Alan Shearer lost for words amid Liverpool link

Alan Shearer is stunned that Alexander Isak didn't push for an exit clause while negotiating his Newcastle contract. The striker's relationship with the club has reached boiling point as he continues pushing for a high-profile move to Liverpool. Isak is the Premier League champions' dream signing, with a potential British record transfer on the cards.

Liverpool's initial £110million offer was rejected, with Newcastle holding firm on a £150m valuation. Tensions rose on Tuesday when the Swede posted a fiery statement on social media, alleging broken promises and loss of trust, before stating it was best for everyone if he left. Newcastle quickly responded with a statement of their own, denying any commitments and insisting they expect him to remain and reintegrate into the squad - despite claims he has vowed never to play for the Magpies again. Speaking on , Newcastle legend Shearer said that if Isak - who joined from Real Sociedad in 2022 - planned to quit the club, he shouldn't have signed a six-year deal without a formal "get-out" clause.

"It's a sad situation," said the 55-year-old. "I was flabbergasted at his statement. He felt, or his representatives felt, it was best putting something out. But that was chucking petrol on the fire.

"It was just bizarre, to say that someone had agreed [to let him leave in the summer] verbally, with him or his agent. You're in football for goodness' sake.

"I would have a look at the agent, if I was him, to say why on Earth are you advising me to sign, or letting me sign, a six-year contract without any get-out clause? That's what I'd be saying - you need something in writing.

"When you're in a strong position, as he was, when they were paying sixty-odd million pound for him, on a six-year deal, and there's no get-out clause, you all know as well as I do, we've all been in the game long enough, you can't just accept [verbal promises].

"And by the way, who was it [that made the promise]? What did they say? And when did they say it? That would be the next questions... but you can't just say, okay, at the end of the next season then we might perhaps agree to let you go verbally. Football doesn't work like that."

Isak's frustration reportedly also stems from Newcastle reneging on a promised contract extension last summer. The 25-year-old was said to have been offered a new deal placing him among the Premier League's top earners, but a change in management and PSR compliance worries derailed it.

Isak claims he communicated his desire to leave soon after the breakdown, though Newcastle dispute this. By the end of the 2024/25 season, he reportedly reiterated his wish privately, though didn't make it public until August.

By then, Liverpool had expressed interest, but had baulked at the £150m asking price. However, Isak's stance reinvigorated them. At the time, Newcastle had been pursuing Hugo Ekitike, prompting Liverpool to issue them an ultimatum: sell Isak to us, or we will take Ekitike.

Newcastle stood firm, subsequently missing out on Ekitike, who joined Liverpool for up to £79m. The situation appeared settled until Isak reignited it by asking Newcastle to "explore his options."

He was excluded from Newcastle's pre-season Asia tour and did not feature in their Premier League opener against Aston Villa. The striker is training alone as his future remains uncertain, with only 10 days left in the transfer window.

Liverpool remain interested but will likely need Newcastle to lower their price before bidding again. Isak, meanwhile, insists his time on Tyneside is over, though with three years left on his St James' Park contract, Newcastle maintain plenty of leverage.

The coming days will determine whether Isak heads to Liverpool or must attempt to rebuild bridges in the North East. Either way, it has become one of the Premier League's most compelling transfer sagas.