- Ex-Magpie calls out hypocrisy of clubs demanding loyalty from players
- Owen: "I get it from his point of view"
- Isak has "lost trust" with Newcastle hierarchy
The ongoing saga has turned increasingly fraught, as Isak posted a statement saying he had “lost trust” with the club’s hierarchy, and that he had no intention of appearing the Magpies again in order to complete the switch to Merseyside. Newcastle responded by saying they were “disappointed” in the message. Speaking to exclusively to local outlet Chronicle Live ex-Magpie refused to criticise Isak for the statement, saying he understands the striker’s point of view.
Owen went on to suggest fans and clubs are quick to turn away from players deemed surplus to requirements, even when that can cause massive upheaval to their lives. Despite demonstrating some sympathy for the Swede’s position, the former Ballon d’Or winner did say he would not have followd the same method in pushing for a transfer.
Owen told the Chronicle: “He’s laid his cards on the table, hasn’t he?
“It’s quite clear that he wants to move. Whether Newcastle fans would forgive and forget is a big question. I don’t know. I mean, he’s done exceptionally well for them, you know, they’ve won a trophy, they’re into the Champions League.
“He’s done his side of the bargain quite clearly by his statement. He feels like that’s enough and that they’ve had previous chats which suggest that he’s almost not free to leave but, you know, if certain things were done then he might be free to go, but it doesn’t seem like Newcastle are playing that game.
“This whole scenario is an interesting one because nine times out of 10 when a move comes about it’s normally a club forcing a player and nobody’s bothered, nobody says anything despite any kids that are in school or any families that have settled in an area or anything else like that.
“Nobody cares really about a footballer. But when it’s on the other foot, it’s really interesting to see that everybody, you know, the whole world goes into meltdown and how dare somebody try and force a move through? I’m not going to sit here and criticise Isak.
“I wouldn’t have done that myself in terms of the actions he’s taken, but I do get that he’s a great player that wants to get to the top of his game and he’s obviously not being allowed the move that he’s desperate for. And you get one short career and he’s wanting to join probably the best team in the world at the moment.
“I get it from his point of view. It’s just a sad situation when it’s played out in the world’s press and he’s obviously not coming out well, let’s say, from a reputational point of view.”
Any movement in this ongoing dispute is predicated upon Liverpool lodging an improved offer on the £110m they tabled a little over a fortnight ago. Newcastle are steadfast in their resolve that any deal for the player must reach their valuation of £150m. In the meantime, we can expect more swipes at Isak’s character by legends, phone-in hosts and talking heads on social media.
