Simon Jordan lays into Newcastle United striker amid Liverpool transfer claims - he may have a point
Newcastle United and Liverpool appear to be locked in a transfer duel as the Reds come to terms with the Magpies' stance that Alexander Isak is going nowhere.
Liverpool reportedly made an enquiry over a potential £120 million deal for Alexander Isak this week, which was rebuffed by Newcastle.
Newcastle were already in talks for Hugo Ekitike, but since being knocked back by Newcastle, Liverpool are said to be determined to beat the Magpies to the signing of the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, Liverpool deny any approach for Isak, while Fabrizio Romano is saying Liverpool made a move for Ektike before they did Isak. It's all a confusing mess.
Simon Jordan has gone on a rant about Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak
Trying to pick through the bones of it all was Simon Jordan on TalkSPORT, where he claims the 'world's gone mad' if Hugo Ekitike is a £90 million player, and then goes on to suggest Alexander Isak shut up and get on with it with his £120,000-a-week wages. It's peak Simon Jordan, really.
“The money they're asking for for this kid (Ekitike)... he didn't hit the ground running at PSG, did he? He's gone to Frankfurt, played 30-40 games, and is a £90 million footballer. The world has gone mad.
“I would assume Newcastle are in a situation where they are able to meet the challenges of PSR (profit and sustainability rules). Newcastle have kicked on, they have won a cup, and got a Champions League berth. They have seen the success of [Aston] Villa, who really profited from this new format (of the Champions League).
“Buying a player like this, if they are indeed to supplement Isak, they are putting their best foot forward. They're saying we've had three years now under the Saudi ownership, we have got Eddie Howe who has gone from strength to strength and a team who are a joy to watch. If they're going to have a go, now is as good as any.
“I look at the Isak situation and this is all agent manipulation. During the background noise, he wants to rock in with three years left on his contract and wants a pay rise.I If you're able to put the fear of god into Newcastle, which is by saying: 'These guys over here, a legacy football club, Premier League champions, they’re going to come sniffing with with £130 million bid - which won't get him out of Newcastle, they've have to go bigger and bolder' then you've got a case to say to Newcastle: 'Pay me up'.
“No-one held you down and put thumbscrews on you and suggested you sign this paltry sum of £120,000 per week. You've got what you and your agent asked for. Now, coming out with three years to go, not 18 months to go, and potentially saying I can exploit the circumstances is the reality of the world but is a little bit whiffy. You signed a contract, you've got three years to go, pack it in.”
Newcastle are holding all the cards with Alexander Isak
We've already addressed the Hugo Ekitike fee several times, but we do feel having to fork over £86 million is a bit much. At the same time, it will also send a huge message to the Premier League, and having him link up with Alexander Isak could make him worth the money.
The real point that we want to look at here is Jordan's over simplified case about Isak's contract. Yes, he has three years remaining on his current deal, he's currently getting around £120,000-a-week which, while not the top of the tree at Newcastle, isn't to be sniffed at, and as Jordan said, thats' what he agreed to.
Jordan's probably spot on that it's Isak's agent playing games to try and land his client a bumper payday, and obviously Newcastle will be very aware of whether or not Liverpool have genuinely made contact over a deal, and will therefore be able to tell if it's just agent talk. If that's the case, then it's more likely to hurt Isak's negotiating stance than help it.
Newcastle want to offer Isak a new deal on improved terms as recognition for the work he's done and to assure him that the club values him. They absolutely don't have to do that, though. With three years remaining, they're in no rush to offer new terms and no rush to sell. Isak is not in control here, nor are Liverpool.
All that being said, we hope Isak is given a bumper contract to show his worth to the club to put all of this 'unrest' to bed.
