Newcastle United should accept Liverpool’s offer for Alexander Isak and get on with rebuilding their squad for the new season.
That’s the belief of ex-Reds star Jermaine Pennant, who believes it’s in the Magpies’ best interests to sort the situation out sooner rather than later.
Arne Slot‘s title holders saw a £110million bid rejected for Isak last week as they attempt to bolster their forward line having already signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
But Newcastle are holding firm, insisting they want to sign a replacement before letting their star centre-forward leave.
That, however, has been harder than anticipated, with Benjamin Sesko joining Manchester United and Yoanne Wissa proving difficult to prise away from Brentford.
The Bees are mulling over a move for Bournemouth’s Dango Ouattara, though, which could start a domino effect in the transfer market.
But Pennant believes Newcastle should just soften their stance and let Isak leave to resolve a tricky situation that has seen the player made to train alone.
Asked if Eddie Howe will stay at the club barely able to sign new players and the potential of becoming England manager in the future, the ex-Liverpool star was quick to outline his plan.
He told talkSPORT: “If you’ve got one hand tied behind your back, then it’s very difficult to get transfers in and build on your team and then you’re fighting a losing battle.
“I’m not just saying this because I’m a Liverpool fan but wouldn’t it be in probably everybody’s best interest if Newcastle cashed in on Isak.
“It’s because not only will you be getting [£110m], [Newcastle] will be getting [rid of] a player that is very unhappy and you may not get the best out of him this season because of all the noise that’s gone on.
“You then can use that money to replace and get other players without worrying about PSR. And then everyone gets what they want and Newcastle rebuild and move on.
Cundy shot back: “So you’re doing Newcastle a favour, are you? Honestly.”
“It’s big bucks, so kind of,” Pennant replied.
When it was put to Pennant that Isak might be wise to sign a new deal at Newcastle on improved wages with a release clause, he added: “There’s no guarantee, he could get injured. There’s no guarantee Liverpool will want to go back in next year.
“We’ve seen what happened to James Maddison. It’s very difficult to see. He’s out for the season now.
“All it takes is one injury to then your career, literally go, get railroaded off track. So it’s all good saying we’ll give him this in the next season, but it’s all ifs and buts we don’t know what’s around the corner.”
“I think it will be in everyone’s best interest if Newcastle took £110m.
“Well, he’s unhappy, so [if he stays] you might not be getting your best player.”
Who have Newcastle signed this summer?
The Magpies have only managed to make one major transfer into the club so far.
They signed Nottingham Forest’s electric winger Anthony Elanga for £55m as they aim to bolster their attack for the new campaign.
The Swede will now rival Jacob Murphy for a spot in the starting XI after impressing with six goals and 11 assists last season for the Tricky Trees.
Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsdale has arrived on loan from Southampton until the end of the season.
Newcastle have also snapped up Antonio Cordero, Park Seung-soo, Oliver Goodbrand, Alfie Hutchison, and Vakhtang Salia but they aren’t currently set to make an immediate impact on the first-team.
Who have Newcastle sold this summer?
Currently, Howe has seen Lloyd Kelly (Juventus) and Sean Longstaff (Leeds) depart – both for £15m, while Martin Dubravka has joined Burnley for an undisclosed fee.
Joe White (Leyton Orient), Cordero (Westerlo), and Aidan Harris (Coleraine) have all gone out on loan.
While Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis, and Isaac Hayden were all released by the club.