I actually have a lot of sympathy with the Newcastle fans over this. They had to put up with Mike Ashley’s wholesale mismanagement for over a decade. I think there were a lot of fans who thought there would be another City type operation, but from the fans I know, they were just hoping for competent management - more like the model that FSG have.
They don’t have that, they have rich owners with money to invest rather than someone with some sort of business model for running a sports club, and I think that’s showing. Even FSG had to learn on the job in terms of running a football club, but the Newcastle ownership doesn’t even have that type of sports expertise. Their other investments have essentially involved buying an entire sport.
Ive said before - if Isak was our player or any one of our current squad doing this Id want them gone. Just get good money and get rid. Why keep someone who doesn’t want to be there - its no good for the squad.
I doubt he could play anyway - training on own isn’t the same. If he does sign I don’t imagine seeing him until after the International break which come after something silly like 4 league games (Sep. 1 - Sep. 9)
Or Newcastle could just say ok its £130m and he cant play against us is part of the deal because we are at home and the atmosphere will be even more toxic that it will currently be.
My main concern about this transfer is that, if Isak does end up at Liverpool come the end of August, he will have done so without having a proper pre-season, meaning that it will take him some time to get up to speed, both in terms of physical preparation and getting to know the tactical aspect of his new team and new teammates - and he will be doing that with a 120-150M pounds albatross hanging around his neck.
I agree that the situation has been handed very badly by Newcastle’s people - they should have taken a page out of Liverpool’s book because we’ve already been there with Torres, Suarez and Coutinho and we showed everyone both how it shouldn’t and should be done.
What should not go unnoticed (but majority of Newcastle’s mouthpieces are dancing around it because it doesn’t fit club’s agenda) is that Isak informed Newcastle of his decision to leave this time last year. He gave them his career’s best season so far, helped them break the trophy curse, and doubled his transfer fee in the meantime. Looking at majority of their transfers in the past five seasons, I’d have backed them to properly replace him had they agreed a deal with Liverpool a month or two ago and let everyone move on.
Tbh, a large part of the blame lies with Isak’s agents. The Suarez to Arsenal saga over 10 years ago should have taught them everything. If you think there’s an understanding that you’ll be allowed to leave at the end of a particular season under certain conditions then GET IT IN WRITING.
Verbal assurances, “gentleman’s agreements”, mean absolutely bollock all.
Had they done that this would have been straightforward.
Guy on radio last night said that Isak wont hand in transfer request as although he is willing to give up his bonus etc - his Agents fees are in there as well (they are also paid over the length of Isaks contract) and his agent wont want to lose any money so will tell him not to put in transfer request.
Same I got a bit annoyed with Diaz background feeding rumours to the press but he showed up for the tour in Japan and the way he went about it from a formal way was respectful.
I think Isla’s case is a bit different though. He had told Newcastle last year that he wishes to explore possibilities of going to a top team to chase the big trophies. And let’s be honest Newcastle are far far far away from getting there. And there was seemingly a gentleman agreement. A number of reporters including someone who covers Newcastle for The Athletic has come out and said this. And for them to agree to this and then turn back and try to keep him is basically a breach of trust
The problem with how Newcastle is behaving at this point is that it reduces the chances of any player from joining them. Sure they might get a Gordon, But a player like Isak ? Nope.
Even the current lot of players are going to be thinking whether the club will hold them to ransom if they do decide to jump ship. They’ll have a bitch of a time renewing deals for existing players now. Both with their wage sturcture and also with their handling of the whole Isak issue
I agree, it was a breach of trust and a complete amateurishness in the transfer market to sign a replacement in time. They probably expected Isak to “comply,” but then, they were completely overwhelmed by his public revolt. Blaming anyone else now so the club doesn’t look stupid is probably just a gimmick for the fans imo.
The issue is that Diaz , while he was great for us , essentially is replaceable. The new guy might not be as good as him but then again he might be an upgrade. But Isak for Newcastle isn’t. They don’t make center forwards like him nowadays.
I think the damage to Howe’s time at Newcastle has been done. Just don’t see him having the ability to get his squad together after this. He spiralled worse during his end of days in Bournemouth and that wasn’t a situation as bad as this.
Regardless I’m looking as it as a fan, it’s similar to Suarez but even he didn’t react like this.
If he had I’d been ready to get rid and frankly 120m which we will probably be willing to pay would be fine. I assume the trust in the ability to spend it wisely might be an issue.
I’d have not wanted to give a kitty like that to Rodgers.
