It’s been a chaotic summer transfer window, with the biggest saga revolving around the future of Alexander Isak. He was chased by Liverpool for most of the window, and Newcastle were determined to keep hold of their star striker, but deadline day finally brought confirmation of his move. The Swedish forward completed a record-breaking £130m transfer to Anfield, but the way he forced it through hasn’t sat well with everyone.
We caught up with former Manchester United defender Paul Parker, who reflected on Isak’s behaviour this summer. He also shared his thoughts on Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, and their approach in big games.
Will Newcastle Fans Forgive Isak’s Actions?
The most controversial storyline of the summer ended with Liverpool’s huge capture of Isak for £130m, a fee that smashes records for both clubs. Yet for many, the move will be remembered less for the numbers and more for the manner in which it was achieved. Isak refused to train during pre-season and released a public statement demanding Newcastle sanction his move. Parker believes Isak’s conduct is symbolic of a wider problem in the modern game where individualism outweighs loyalty and unity.
“Isak sums up the modern day footballer. He’s discarded his team mates. Football hasn’t got the unity among teams it once had. Just after my time of playing is when it was a working class game where players dig in for each other.”
“Isak this season would have made a difference if he was playing. His reputation was solid. To do this means it’ll never be forgotten. Liverpool fans will know what he’s done. They’ll be questioning him alongside the players. Can they trust that he won’t down tools? With Newcastle he’s chosen the wrong team and fans to do that with.”
For Newcastle fans, renowned for their loyalty and passion, forgiveness may not come easily. Meanwhile, for Liverpool, the gamble lies in whether Isak can rebuild trust in his new home while proving his worth on the pitch.
Parker Believes Arteta Is Negative in Big Games
Prior to Liverpool celebrating Isak’s arrival, their clash with Arsenal reopened a debate around Mikel Arteta’s approach in high-pressure matches. Following the game, which saw Liverpool win 1-0, Peter Schmeichel criticised the Arsenal boss, claiming only Liverpool came to win. Parker agrees, arguing that Arteta’s style is too conservative when the stakes are high.
“Whenever Arteta comes up against a big side he’s negative. He was Pep’s assistant but has brought none of that with him. His way of coaching is nothing like Arsene Wenger. Wenger brought an expansive game. He went out and brought in good players and made them superstars. The football was great and everyone loved Henry, Wiltord, Pires, Bergkamp.”
For Parker, the contrast between Wenger’s expressive Arsenal sides and Arteta’s current squad is stark.
“This Arsenal team is more expensive than the Wenger team but they can’t express themselves. It’s all about set pieces and the height of players. Ethan Nwaneri takes players on but he’s not getting a look in. They’ve pushed the PR of Dowman. Peter Schmeichel was right. It’s not an attack. Arsenal don’t run behind. I feel sorry for Gyokeres. He looks like a kid lost in the arcade.”
Arteta has undoubtedly restored Arsenal as Premier League contenders, but questions still remain over whether his pragmatism, if it even exists, is holding them back against the very best teams in the very biggest games.
