Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has warned that the club's failure to sign a new striker could prevent Alexander Isak from joining Liverpool. The Sweden forward, who scored 23 league goals last season, has been training separately from Eddie Howe's squad after Newcastle turned down Liverpool's opening offer.
Isak, 25, missed Newcastle's pre-season tour in Asia and instead spent time at his former club Real Sociedad. He has since returned to the training ground but did not feature in the 2-2 draw with Espanyol. Shearer stressed the urgency of resolving the situation, telling Betfair: 'The biggest thing they have to do is, somehow, sort the Isak situation out - and if they can't get anyone in, I guess that means he isn't going anywhere.'
The former England striker added that Howe must try to persuade Isak to stay, but if that fails, Newcastle must secure a replacement before allowing a sale. 'On the proviso that he does want to go and Eddie can't turn his head, then you get the money. But prior to that, you have to get people in to replace him,' Shearer said.
Newcastle have faced several transfer setbacks, with Manchester United signing RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko for £74m and Bryan Mbeumo moving to Old Trafford. Earlier in the window, Chelsea beat Newcastle to Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, while Hugo Ekitike chose Liverpool. The club have only secured Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan. Shearer questioned the lack of business, noting the absence of a chief executive and sporting director.
Manager Eddie Howe confirmed Isak remains unavailable for first-team duties, stating: 'It's clear at the moment we can't have him involved with the group. I don't know how long that will be for.' However, he did not rule out reintegrating the striker later, adding: 'He is here, so of course he has a future at Newcastle.'
