Wayne Rooney has delivered a scathing verdict on the ongoing transfer disputes involving Newcastle striker Alexander Isak and Brentford forward Yoane Wissa, calling their behaviour unprofessional and disrespectful to their clubs.
Both players have become central figures in the summer transfer drama. Isak is pushing for a move to Liverpool after Newcastle rejected a £110 million bid, while Wissa is attempting to force a transfer to Newcastle following a failed £40 million approach from the Tyneside club.
Rooney criticised the manner in which modern players handle such situations, stressing that professionalism should come first regardless of transfer desires. According to him, going on strike, skipping training, or cutting ties with teammates damages trust beyond repair.
The former England captain was particularly blunt about Isak’s future at St James’ Park. He argued that once a player openly defies the club and distances himself from his teammates, the bond is broken and difficult to rebuild. In Rooney’s view, it would be hard for Newcastle’s squad to accept Isak back into the dressing room after his public stand-off.
Isak, who has claimed that “promises were broken and trust is lost,” has fuelled speculation by insisting he was assured of being allowed to leave if a major club came in for him. While his frustration is understandable, his refusal to fully commit to Newcastle during the dispute has angered many supporters.
Wissa’s situation has also raised eyebrows. After Brentford rejected Newcastle’s offer, the Congolese forward removed all Brentford-related content from his Instagram account and left pre-season camp early. Rooney argued that such social media gestures are petty, disrespectful, and reveal poor advice from agents. He suggested that unfollowing the club and deleting posts sends the wrong message to teammates and fans who have supported the player’s rise.
Beyond the specific cases of Isak and Wissa, Rooney highlighted a wider concern: the growing influence of agents and the rise of “player power” in football. He warned that when players behave this way once, they are likely to repeat it in the future, leaving clubs and supporters disillusioned.
With the transfer window still open, Newcastle face a tricky balancing act – fending off Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak while trying to prise Wissa from Brentford. But for Rooney, the issue runs deeper than deals and negotiations. For him, the real problem is the erosion of loyalty, respect, and professionalism in the modern game.
