‘Bluff merchant’ – Jamie Carragher hits out at fan over Alexander Isak to Liverpool saga
Jamie Carragher has snapped back at a fan following their response to the pundits views on Alexander Isak’s potential move to Liverpool.
Arguably one of the most sought after strikers in world football right now, the Swede has dominated the headlines this transfer window.
The number 14 cost Newcastle a reported £63million (Sky Sports) for a club-record fee and what an incredible investment he has been.
After three seasons the former Real Sociedad poacher has racked up 54 goals in 86 appearances in black and white and has certainly paid back his transfer tag.
Yet, it is apparent the 25-year-old wants a move to Merseyside with the forward being instructed by the club to train separately on his own (Sky Sports, 6 August).
Opinions have been aplenty as they weigh in on the Isak debate, which includes ex-Liverpool centre-back and pundit Carragher.
Jamie Carragher calls out fan in heated debate over Isak
A Liverpool fan retweeted a video clip from The Overlap (6 August) where the former Reds defender discussed with ex-Man United legend Paul Scholes about the pursuit of the Sweden international.
The 47-year-old felt the price tag for Isak didn’t feel right and that £150m is far too much for the attacker just for new man Hugo Ekitike to play back-up.
In particular, Carragher believed the manner in which the Reds have dealt with the situation is messy and not like the usual planned processes.
The X user dubbed Nostalgia Merchant completely disagreed with the former defender’s take, stating that the champions under football director Michael Edwards always do things planned.
The England international swiped at the fan and defended his corner on X, saying: “Well they asked Newcastle about Isak before they went for Ekitike, if Newcastle say yes I don’t see how they then go for HE [Hugo Ekitike].
“Also, you told me months ago Liverpool didn’t need a number 10, I said it would be one of the first things [Arne] Slot would do. Wirtz 115M.”
He finished the interaction with an ironic jab to the fan’s username: “Change the handle to bluff merchant.”
Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle has imploded on him
Football Insider verdict
With less than a month of the transfer window to go, the ex-Borussia Dortmund star is walking a tightrope at St James’ Park.
His decision to make his feelings known to leave Tyneside has isolated him from not only the manager but also his teammates.
Just a few months before, the Scandinavian scored the winning goal in the League Cup final, ending the Toon’s trophy drought of 56 years.
| Alexander Isak 2024-25 all competitions | |
| Appearances | 42 |
| Minutes played | 3319 |
| Goals | 27 |
| Assists | 6 |
Adored, revered and depicted as a Geordie messiah, his actions this summer have completely flipped that narrative.
With Liverpool signing Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, it appears unlikely the Reds will push on to sign Isak, especially after having one bid rejected already.
No more clubs have the pedigree nor wealth to tempt the 25-year-old to join now, suggesting he will have to stay another season with the Magpies.
Team relations fractured and fans hearts broken, get your popcorn at the ready for the inevitable fallout of the number 14’s eventual return to the starting XI.