Thierry Henry believes Newcastle United should allow Alexander Isak to leave the club despite the ongoing transfer standoff. The Arsenal legend said it would be "the best for everybody" if the Swedish striker was permitted to join Liverpool.
Henry acknowledged that reconciliation remains possible if Isak apologises to his teammates. "If he scores goals and he starts to play the same way he played last year, then the Newcastle fans will be OK about it," the former France international told Sky Sports.
The 25-year-old striker has been frozen out of Newcastle's first team amid the dispute over his future. Isak became unsettled after the Magpies rejected Liverpool's £110 million bid more than three weeks ago.
Training boycott escalates tensions
Isak has trained away from the main squad since the rejected transfer bid. The Sweden international issued a public statement claiming promises made by Newcastle have been "broken" and declared "the relationship can't continue".
Newcastle remain adamant that their star striker is not for sale. Manager Eddie Howe continues to believe the player could be reintegrated into the first-team setup.
Valuation gap complicates deal
The significant gap between Liverpool's offer and Newcastle's valuation presents a major obstacle. According to the Liverpool Echo, Newcastle values Isak at approximately £150 million for any potential transfer.
Chronicle Live reports that Newcastle's Public Investment Fund has given the green light to the strategy of retaining Isak. The club's other striker targets are intended to replace Callum Wilson rather than serve as Isak alternatives.
Anthony Gordon will lead Newcastle's attack against Liverpool on Monday in Isak's absence, according to Chronicle Live. Henry emphasised that both clubs would benefit from resolving the situation before the transfer window closes.
Sources used: "Sky Sports", "Independent", "Chronicle Live", "Liverpool Echo" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
