Wayne Rooney has delivered a blunt verdict on Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United future, insisting the striker has “no way back” into the dressing room after going on strike to push for a move to Liverpool.
Rooney Slams Isak’s Behaviour
Speaking on his Wayne Rooney Show podcast, the former Manchester United and England captain said he would not accept Isak back if he were a teammate.
"If I’m a Newcastle player, I don’t want Isak back," Rooney said. "There’s a way to leave football clubs — it happens all the time — but you can’t go on strike, stop training, and walk out on your teammates. He’s deserted you, and if they do it once, they’ll do it again."
The 25-year-old Swede has been training separately after accusing Newcastle of “broken promises” in a social media post earlier this week. The Magpies responded firmly, insisting they never guaranteed him a transfer and that his departure would only happen under exceptional conditions.
Liverpool’s Interest and Newcastle’s Response
Liverpool have already seen a £110m ($148m) offer rejected, with Newcastle valuing Isak closer to £150m ($200m). Any sale would require the club to secure a replacement striker, but targets such as Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Šeško have already slipped away.
Instead, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has emerged as a leading option, though he too has courted controversy by unfollowing his club on social media and deleting all references to the Bees — behaviour Rooney also criticised.
Rooney on Wissa: "Like Kids"
Rooney drew parallels between Isak and Wissa, describing their actions as immature and badly influenced.
"These players are like kids now, or they’re very badly advised," Rooney said. "Brentford gave Wissa a platform to shine in the Premier League. To unfollow the club and wipe away everything they’ve done for you is really disrespectful."
Newcastle vs Liverpool Looms Large
The saga adds extra tension ahead of Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday night. Isak is expected to miss the game, leaving Eddie Howe short of attacking options as Anthony Gordon continues to fill in centrally.
Despite Newcastle’s stance, the saga remains one of the defining stories of the summer transfer window. Whether Liverpool returns with an improved bid, or Isak is forced to reintegrate, Rooney’s comments underline the dressing-room divisions that could follow.