Isak, Newcastle and the anatomy of a divorce. And the lessons.
Compromise over fee was inevitable.
They think it’s all over, thank heavens it is now. Alexander Isak and Newcastle United has been a messy divorce. Claims of broken promises, counter statements, stand-offs, toxicity spreading and outraged Newcastle United supporters turning the air blue and beyond. Hell hath no fury like a fan spurned. It’s a saga that football needs to learn from.
Alexander Isak. Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images.
The decree absolute will be confirmed by the authorities today, the settlement made, Isak can move in with Liverpool and all parties can get on with their lives. Until they bump into each other again. As ever with emotional break-ups, there will be some tense reunions in the future, especially if the Cups are in mischievous mood. Definitely in the diary is January 31 in the Premier League, location L4, with 3,000 Geordies all standing in the Anfield Road End, some still bearing a grudge.
From “gimme, gimme, gimme, a striker from Sweden” to “slipping through my fingers”, it’s painful, and it must feel personal for Newcastle supporters. They must fear other stars could follow Isak out through future windows. Newcastle is a city which revolves around the fortunes of the Toon and Isak’s exit must feel like a rejection of a region, as well as a club. That hurts.
For Newcastle’s estimable head coach, Eddie Howe, the end of the saga must be a relief. Howe can concentrate on the players available to him, and those incoming, not those wanting out. Howe’s emerged from the chaos with dignity intact. But his team have lost their best player, had their season’s start damaged, have scored only two goals in three games, and need Nick Woltemade, as much a 10 as a 9, and Yoane Wissa to settle in quickly. Howe now has to channel the anger to re-galvanise team and club.
For Newcastle’s owners, they have salvaged some pride with the eventual fee. Some compromise was vital between Newcastle and Liverpool, clubs with traditionally good relations. Liverpool’s original offer of £110m for Isak was clearly on the low side but, fair enough, it transpired it was simply an opening bid. Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are masters of the negotiating and recruiting art. Newcastle’s widely-reported desire for £150m was always too high. From the start, £130m always seemed a fair figure for Isak. Isak, 26 this month, is very good but he’s not the level of 26-year-old Kylian Mbappe.