The situation between Newcastle United and Alexander Isak has gone from tense to toxic, with emotions now spilling well beyond the pitch.
What started as whispers about transfer frustration has now turned into a full-blown standoff, dragging on for nearly a month and leaving supporters deeply divided.
On the latest Whistleblowers podcast, former referee and Newcastle supporter Mark Clattenburg didn’t hold back, calling on Isak to stop sulking on social media and instead formally hand in a transfer request if he truly wants out.
Clattenburg Calls for Tougher Action
Clattenburg, who has never been shy about voicing strong opinions, made it clear that he believes Newcastle must act decisively.
“When I saw the fans at Aston Villa, that was a turning point for me,” he said.
“Now is the time to get him out – if a player doesn’t want to play, get rid of him.”
He went on to question why Isak has not already been fined two weeks’ wages for refusing to honor his contract, stressing that Newcastle need to be firm rather than let the saga drag on any longer.
Fans Turn Against Their Star Striker
The frustration from the stands is impossible to ignore.
During Saturday’s goalless draw with Aston Villa, Newcastle supporters made their feelings clear.
While Anthony Gordon stepped in as a makeshift striker, fans drowned out his post-match interview with chants aimed at Isak.
The away end sang: “We don’t care about Isak, all we care about is NUFC” – a brutal message that showed just how far the Swedish forward has fallen in the eyes of supporters.
Instagram Drama Sparks More Anger
The controversy deepened just before the Football Association awards on Monday, when Isak released a statement on Instagram accusing Newcastle of breaking promises.
He claimed there was a “gentleman’s agreement” that would have allowed him to leave this summer, with Liverpool heavily linked as a potential destination.
Newcastle quickly denied his claims, insisting no such agreement existed.
That public exchange only fueled the bitterness surrounding the saga.
Clattenburg Says “Enough Is Enough”
For Clattenburg, the whole situation is a matter of principle.
He argued that if Isak is so determined to leave, he should do things the proper way rather than trying to force Newcastle’s hand through sulks and statements.
“Enough is enough,” he said on the podcast. “Isak signed a contract, he was happy with that contract.
If he’s that furious, why not put in a transfer request? Why hasn’t he got the courage to do that, like players had to in the past?”
Comparing Isak to Football’s Icons
The debate took another twist when Daily Mail Football Editor Ian Ladyman reminded listeners that even legends like Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney had pushed for transfers at different points in their careers.
But Clattenburg stood his ground, pointing out a key difference: “Gerrard or Rooney never refused to play.
Isak has refused to play. That’s crossing a line.”
A Transfer Saga With No End in Sight
It’s been nearly a month since Isak first refused to join Newcastle’s pre-season tour, and the standoff shows no signs of resolution.
With the relationship between the striker and the fans at breaking point, and the club standing firm against his claims, the situation feels unsustainable.
Whether Isak eventually submits a transfer request or Newcastle decide to take tougher action, one thing is certain – the damage between player and club looks harder than ever to repair.
