'It's ridiculous' - Newcastle legend Alan Shearer SLAMS Magpies over Alexander Isak transfer stance amid Liverpool interest

Isak played a pivotal role in Newcastle’s resurgence under Howe. Since arriving on Tyneside, he has scored 62 goals in just 109 appearances, an impressive strike rate that has helped transform the Magpies into a top-five Premier League side. The highlight of his time in black and white came earlier this year when he led the front line as Newcastle lifted the Carabao Cup, ending the club’s 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy. His efforts also contributed to the team securing a fifth-place finish in the Premier League, returning them to the Champions League.

Despite the swirling speculation and Isak’s desire to leave, Howe and the Newcastle board are not ready to give up on their star striker just yet. According to sources close to the club, there is hope that a new contract could be negotiated, potentially with an agreement in place for a departure next summer. However, Liverpool are actively pursuing the striker, which has led the Swede to consider his options.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said: "It's ridiculous what Newcastle put out this morning to say he wasn't on the trip because of a slight thigh injury. If they thought people wouldn't see through that…it was disappointing. They should've just told the truth straight away. I understand it's a very difficult situation for them but it is what it is."

Acknowledging the complexity of the situation, Shearer sympathised with the pressure on Howe but emphasised that honesty would have gone a long way.

"Howe has to use all his persuasive powers to do what he can and try to make him stay at least one more year," he added. "If that can't happen, then it is what it is. You have to get the very best deal for the football club and if someone is prepared to pay north of £150 million ($203m), and if he really, really wants to go, you can't step in his way.

"Isak has been brilliant for Newcastle, helped us achieve our dream of winning a trophy and if there's no way whatsoever that he can be persuaded to stay at Newcastle, then they have to get the best deal possible and if someone's prepared to pay what they want, you have to say thank you and build for the future. There's no individual bigger than the football club."

Should Isak complete a move this summer, it would likely surpass the current British record fee Liverpool recently paid (£116m/$157m) for Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. However, Newcastle would be looking for a sum well above that, nearing the £150m mark. Such a deal would be a massive financial coup for Newcastle, who would then look to reinvest that amount into finding an able replacement.