Bruno Guimaraes Defends Alexander Isak Over Newcastle Exit – Is He Right?

Bruno Guimaraes has defended former teammate Alexander Isak following the summer transfer saga which saw the striker land his dream move to Liverpool.

Isak forced a move out of Newcastle this summer after what was a long-running issue for both clubs.

Liverpool would eventually spend £125million for the Swedish frontman even after the Magpies made it clear they would not accept any bid lower than their desired £150m price.

Fans lost respect for the 25-year-old striker if social media blasts are to be believed and Isak’s legacy was brought into question despite his goals record for his old club as well as his finish in last season’s FA Cup led to the trophy being delivered.

Isak played for Liverpool this week in their 3-2 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid for the first time but stuttered on his debut without any real statistics to show for it.

Bruno Guimaraes wants to move past Alexander Isak Newcastle transfer saga

But the move in general is still being discussed and debated, and that is where former teammate Bruno Guimaraes came into the question this week.

Before Newcastle’s clash with Barcelona at the European top table, the Brazilian midfielder, 27, was quizzed on what he and his mates at the club thought of Isak’s behaviour and his decision.

Isak did not submit an official transfer request but it was clear to everyone – including those players at Newcastle – that he wanted out.

However, avoiding any sort of controversy, Guimaraes expertly handled the queries and admitted that football is a business and that the Magpies are over the drama of what came before.

“I think football is business,” said Guimaraes. “I think the club made a choice. He’s [Isak] gone and I wish him all the best.

“I am grateful for everything we achieved together. But this is not the time to look at the past, it’s time to look forward to the future at Newcastle.

Newcastle take on injured Barcelona in Champions League without Isak

“We have the Barca game, and we are looking forward to it.”

Guimaraes was absolutely spot on to move the story beyond Isak who, at the end of the day, is no longer a player for Newcastle United.

If Isak’s statement of broken promises was correct, both club and player must be secretly happy to see the back of each other for now.

Eddie Howe, the Newcastle boss, would go on to sign VFB Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade in what seems like a match made in heaven if the attacker’s description of his coach’s standout qualities are to be believed.

Like Bruno says, it is time for English football to get back to being about the game on the pitch.

Starting with Newcastle hosting Catalan giants Barca this evening.