Wayne Rooney: Liverpool Could Be Put Off By Alexander Isak's Newcastle Behaviour

Wayne Rooney has earned widespread praise for his full take on the Alexander Isak saga. The Newcastle forward, who has scored 54 goals in 89 Premier League appearances to establish himself as one of the world’s top strikers, still has two years remaining on his contract.

But the Swede is currently on strike, attempting to force a move to champions Liverpool, and the debate over his future - and who is in the right or wrong - remains a hot topic as the new season kicks off, with the Magpies' hierarchy rejecting an initial bid from the Reds last month. Isak was absent for Newcastle’s goalless draw against Aston Villa on Saturday, a match in which he might have thrived given the chances created by his teammates.

With those funding Eddie Howe’s project at St James’ Park continuing to look for back-up options, such as a potential deal for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, Rooney has weighed in, offering his verdict on the wantaway striker's situation.

Rooney Suggests Liverpool Could Be Put Off By Isak's Attitude

On Match of the Day - the first without Gary Lineker at the helm for 26 years - Rooney took aim at Isak for his current transfer situation, and even suggested that Liverpool may be put off signing him after the way he has dealt with forcing a move away. “The Geordies are a passionate fanbase, it’s going to be hard for him to come back,” he said (watch the full segment below).

“But also for his teammates, I think as a teammate you expect your teammates to come and train every day to give everything on the training pitch and when you pull the shirt on to go and play. The fact that he is refusing to come in and train is very difficult for him to come back."

“He’s just gone about it in the wrong way," Rooney added. "Maybe he’s getting advised wrongly. But also for Liverpool, you have to wonder if that is the sort of player you want. Someone who is going to desert his teammates and walk away from a huge football club. It’s a good opportunity to go to Liverpool, but it has to be done in the right way.”

Naturally, his views resonated with the Newcastle faithful, who were quick to hail him on X. "I find it funny that Liverpool fans booed Konate for stalling contract talks while still playing for them, but cheer Isak for completely abandoning his team," one comment read.

Elsewhere, another continued: "Spot on. I like Isak and think he’s an unreal player but he’s in the wrong in this situation and has gone about it the wrong way." A third remarked:

"Well said Rooney. That’s why he’s respected by fellow professionals. Rooney did also say 'maybe he’s being advised wrongly'. I’d perhaps add that he’s a grown adult and ultimately makes his own decisions."

There were a few comments, however, that disagreed with what Rooney said. One X user commented: "So what is the right way? After telling the club of his intention and a year ago, only to then be told that they are not going to let him go, is that also the right way the club should conduct themselves?"

While another user raised a point about Wissa doing the same at Brentford to force a move to Tyneside, suggesting Rooney wouldn't use the "same energy" because "it doesn’t get the same clicks", one thing is for sure, and that's that the Reds trip to Newcastle in gameweek two is going to be spicy.

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