Sweden complication to Alexander Isak future at Newcastle United, or elsewhere…? | OneFootball

As has been widely reported, Alexander Isak believes his career at St James’ Park is over after three years.

Newcastle United, however, say they have no intention of allowing him to leave, recently turning down a £110 million bid from Liverpool.

Despite not having submitted an official transfer request, it is claimed that Alexander Isak is adamant he will not play for the club again.

Whilst this is clearly a problem for both parties, it would seem Isak is the one with less in the way of leverage.

Newcastle United has shown it has no intention of caving in.

Either Liverpool pay what the club considers to be the going rate, or Isak has zero chance of going anywhere.

Whilst a case of even if Liverpool met Newcastle’s valuation in what remains of the window, it’s debatable whether Isak would be allowed to leave, given a suitable replacement has yet to be signed.

In those circumstances, a compromise of sorts could be achieved, the club turning down an offer that meets its valuation could trigger an improved contract for Isak, which seems to be where all of this bother began.

But what if the impasse continues?

From a legal standpoint, under normal circumstances, a footballer cannot simply refuse to play. Asking players to return to work is a lawful instruction.

If Alexander Isak continues with his petulance, Newcastle United could consider withdrawing his wages, Isak’s refusal to play surely amounting to unauthorised leave?

Since the Swedish striker was left out of the friendly at Parkhead, he has ‘earned’ nearly £500,000 (assuming his salary is £120,000 per week). Nice work if you can get it, not so good if the tap is turned off.

Newcastle United has three Swedish internationals on its books, Emil Krafth and Anthony Elanga alongside Alexander Isak.

Sweden kicks off its World Cup campaign on Friday 5 September with a trip to Slovenia, followed by another away encounter three days later in Kosovo.

Although Isak missed Sweden’s two friendly games over the summer due to a problem with his groin, make no mistake, under normal circumstances, Sweden would want Isak leading the line in those World Cup qualifiers.

If as expected, this whole unedifying spectacle drags on into next month, it will be very interesting to see how another party, namely the Swedish FA, handles the situation.

Will they condone Isak’s reckless behaviour and select him for international duty?

There are probably precedents for this sort of thing but surely the powers that be in Stockholm won’t wish to back a player who behaves like Alexander Isak has?

An easy option for Sweden would be to not select Isak on the grounds that he won’t be match fit.

Back to my leverage point. Isak has been foolish beyond words and handled this whole situation terribly, going from hero to zero in less than a month.

With the Swiss making up Sweden’s World Cup qualifying group, it’s fair to say the ‘Blagult’ will fancy their chances of making it to the World Cup next summer and Alexander Isak will no doubt want to be part of that.

Given Liverpool appear to have marched Isak to the top of the hill, only to have left him high and dry, I don’t see this ending well for the Swede.

If money and glory are truly what motivates him, I can see Isak having to digest a huge portion of humble pie over the next few weeks.

Whether that will placate the majority of the Newcastle United faithful, only time will tell, but goals pay the rent and Isak has always done his share.