Isak-Gate, Legendary Lionesses & The Players Lounge 

17:41Alan Shearer:Welcome back to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer, me, Gharalineke and Micah Richards who's now fully recovered from going big and going early He's ready to go again But what we want to do here in the second half of the show is to talk about some of the transfers that have happened, some of the ones that might happen who's bought what so far that perhaps has impressed us and likewise perhaps that's not impressed us. Before we start talking about all the transfers and possible transfers, just a reminder, we're recording this on Friday morning. So by the time you receive it on Monday, there might be or may not be things that have happened in the transfer market.

18:25Alan Shearer:I think there's only probably one place to start, Alan. I mean, we've had some of your frustrations on our group chat over the last few weeks and the possibility of losing. His image has actually disappeared on our screens at this point. Things have been that bad. Don't leave us now, Alan, because you need to tell us about. Your thoughts on the whole situation at Newcastle this summer and following the success, obviously, of winning the first trophy in a lifetime. It seems like a loss of momentum.

19:01Gary Lineker:I think up to now it's been a disastrous window for Newcastle. What was meant to be where Newcastle kicked on, they invested heavily in the team and they were going to go to another level. It's been anything but, to be honest. They've missed out on several number one targets that they had. They're probably going to lose their best player. They're one of the league's best centre forwards, if not the best. So up to now, it's been really poor. but I don't know I mean I would like to ask where's the director of football or sporting director where's the chief executive officer because Newcastle have known for a long time now that they were going to lose Darren Eels they've had they've lost the sporting director for whatever for whatever reason the second one in within 12 months and then yeah it just seems it's just been one bad bit of bad news I don't know I mean that's that's what I was going to ask I mean, you know, if Liverpool, like they have done, apparently put a bid in to Newcastle for ISAC, who actually turns it down?

20:04Gary Lineker:Who do they go to? Because Newcastle are out in, I don't know, Singapore or Seoul or wherever they are. Who actually turns the bid down? Because there is no chief executive. There is no sporting director. So, I don't know. It just seems up to now, Newcastle's window has been a mess. I know they've got Alanga in, which I think is a really good signing. but they need a lot more than that and they've lost out, it seems, on every number one target they had which obviously wasn't meant to be the case.

20:33Alan Shearer:I think the one thing we can probably read as true is that Liverpool have had a bid down, their first proper bid, I think, $110 million and they've turned that down. I mean, first bids are always going to be turned down, I imagine. So, I mean, I know we... What are you laughing at, Mike?

20:53Gary Lineker:They wouldn't get Dan Byrne for$110 million, never mind Isak. Honest to God, the hurt in his face. It's not even in his voice. As he's talking about the bid, it's just... You knew it was coming at some point, didn't you, Al? I mean, we didn't expect it maybe now, especially with the season that Newcastle had. But when we keep talking about strikers, who should it go to? what price can you get them for Isak was always going to be a target for a top I'm not saying because it's not a top club let's say just choose your words carefully I love the Jordies do not turn the Jordies against me you know but for a club that is going to be challenging for the top prizes let's say the Champions League the Premier League obviously you won the League Cup but on a consistent basis you know so it was inevitable really that someone was going to come knocking I'm okay with the situation I'm okay I thought he might have stayed for another season and then this would have happened next summer but it is I've said it before you know I said it last week it is what it is if he can't be persuaded to stay then if someone offer Newcastle what they want then they've got to take that because ultimately you just say thank you very much for the great memories you've given us off you go

22:25Alan Shearer:what's your view Alan? what's your view as far as Isak's concerned? does it anger you the way he's behaved in this? the fact he's not it's football guys I know it is but I'm just saying you are not obviously you've been there, you've been in situations but you're also a fan of the football club what's your feelings towards him?

22:45Gary Lineker:no I'm not angry at all towards him I understand how football works. I know what happens in and around the game. I probably understand his mentality. Do I like it? Do I understand it? Probably two different things. But I know what football is about and I know how it works. And obviously Liverpool have been into him or his agent. I just thought it might have happened next year. And if it really is impossible for Eddie to turn him around and he says no, and it sounds like that is the case, I want to be out now you get your big money for him whoever's prepared to pay that and you get other people in hopefully beforehand and then you move on as I said no individual is bigger than any football club and if he doesn't want to be there fine get what you can and get him out and say thanks very much for the memories off you go So who would you want next?

23:40I see you've been linked with Sesco haven't you? But he's not going to come cheap They'll have a few quid though won't they? He'll have a few quid but I mean you've still got to what did they spend on the Lange was it 50 50 million on the Lange

23:52Gary Lineker:50-55 million I think what they're talking about 70-80 for Sesco is I mean it's still a lot to pay to replay you know when you look at the other situation as well but if you read the reports and they are correct then Wisser is a target for Newcastle he hasn't gone back into trading to to Brentford so it's like you know how you know what how football works you know how it is and so long as you understand that then and you don't get too angry at the situation and if they can get Wisser in if they can get Seshko in then that ultimately will be decent business I think

24:29Alan Shearer:Wisser is obviously a proven goal scorer in the Premier League and I think that I mean he's but he's not so young as he was about 28, 29 Wisser I think something like that but you know he can do it

24:39Gary Lineker:in the Premier League which adds up to a lot and on the other one Seshko is I know he's a lot younger and it would be more of a gamble on him because you're going to have to pay a decent size fee for him. I saw him two or three times in the Champions League last season and there's definitely room for improvement. Yes, there's certainly a talent there, but there's a lot of improvement that can be made. And you bring in someone who's unknown into the Premier League and that's always going to be a bit of a risk.

25:12Alan Shearer:And that moves us on perhaps to Arsenal and Giochrez, who have paid£73.5 million for him. Michael's doing it. I don't think he's closing it. I'm putting his hands over his eyes because he thinks it's that emoji that is like, oh no, this is really bad. But that's his goal celebration. That's his goal celebration. It's not regardless of what. How many times have we said Arsenal leader striker? Punditry. Every week we've said it. Not just us. The whole, everyone. And you know, like, reports come out, oh, they don't need a striker, they're happy with the weight. And then it comes and, like, they needed a striker for a while now.

25:53I still believe they need a left winger as well. They've been linked with Eze, haven't they? I think Martinelli can definitely do a job, but I think he's more of an impact player right now. Great to have off the bench. So if they've got someone like Eze, it'd be amazing for him. But in terms of Jokeres, I think it's a very good signing. I still think there are question marks whether he can do it at this level consistently because I've watched a load of videos on him and I think he's really good in terms of his movement. He's a really clever striker and he can run him behind. I don't think people should be expecting him to be holding the ball really well.

26:38There's times in games I've watched and the ball's gone up to him and it's coming back off him. And then he'll score two goals and everyone said, he's been absolutely amazing. But he's got really good movement. He's running behind and will cause defences problems. But I think it's exactly what Arsenal needed for sure.

26:58Alan Shearer:It is a gamble though, as it always is with a striker. I mean, he's had two really, really good seasons in Portugal. but I saw a stat last season he scored 37 goals last season how many do you think he scored against the top half teams I'll let Alan answer it's three Alan is it really really well so that would you know would you have a concern that might just be one of those things you know perhaps the team didn't play as well on those occasions and stuff but obviously he's been here before he's played in England he played obviously went around Coventry was there for a bit I'll tell you I am well let's see let's wish him well because obviously, you know, it's a big signing for Arsenal and they definitely needed a nine.

27:41Alan Shearer:Everybody's been saying it. But I tell you, it looks exciting. I mean, everyone's talking about this young 15-year-old boy. Of course you do. Max Dowman. I mean, he's been featuring in some of the friendlies and I saw him playing the game against your lot, Alan. It was Newcastle, wasn't it? I mean, boy, oh boy. I mean, he was doing some amazing stuff. He looks like a man already and he's got so much talent. He beats people effortlessly and he can finish and he looks incredibly confident. Mike's got a big smile on his face because it's your team, Mike. What are you doing? Can we get the record straight, mate?

28:18Because City fans... Please put the record straight, Mike. We've been asking you for two years. City, I love you more than you will ever know. More than you will ever know.

28:30Gary Lineker:Just answer a simple question. are you an Arsenal fan or not? I mean, it's really easy. Yes or no? Well, are we talking past tense? Are we talking current? I mean, it's a really simple question. Yes or no? Are you an Arsenal fan? So I was an Arsenal fan when I was younger. I'm just looking for a yes or a no, Michael. That's all I'm looking for. And when I signed for Man City at 14, I became a Man City fan. Is that okay?

28:56Alan Shearer:I might change my team. What about Leeds as well?

29:00Gary Lineker:Wasn't there a Leeds in there as well? Ah, cheer up.

29:04Alan Shearer:God, you've got all three in the Premier League now. God, you're in trouble. I'm going to be scrambling come game day, aren't I? Yeah. But that's only because I'm from Leeds. That's only because I'm from Leeds.

29:14Gary Lineker:You know, we're on about the transfers and clubs and the business and what they're doing now. Can you, the chase and pack, the chase and pack being Newcastle, Spurs, Forest. But if you look at the top four, what they've done, the business, Chelsea, City, Arsenal and Liverpool. I mean, they've spent an absolute fortune and they're not finished yet. And that's the chasing pack. As I said, all of those clubs, Man United will want to do better. But the top four, after what they did last year and have done, have spent a fortune amongst themselves. And the chasing, I mean, it's like, they must be looking and thinking, goodness me.

29:55Alan Shearer:I mean, I don't want to rub salt in your wounds, Alan, But I mean, if, if, I mean, if Isak does go to Liverpool, which appears likely, even though, you know, people are saying, oh, they've turned it down. I mean, how good are they going to be?

30:08Gary Lineker:I know, yeah.

30:08Alan Shearer:I mean, the signings are Wurtz and Kerkes and now, you know, Isak. Frimpong. Etiquette, Frimpong. Oh, you know what? That's got to be a tongue twister, that one, you know, when we're doing the pun. I know, I know. I think I probably just said it wrong. Eketike. Etiquette. He said it wrong again. Go on, say it. Eki, Eki, TK. Eki, TK. Eki, TK. Honestly, it took me a year. It's difficult. You need to get the etiquette right to get the etiquette. It took me a year to get that. It's a tongue twister, but I don't have to worry about that on my show.

30:51Alan Shearer:Good luck with that one.

30:53Gary Lineker:Are you in for the first match of the day, Micah? No I'm not I'm doing Super Sunday Man United Arsenal Is it Man United Arsenal

31:02Alan Shearer:On the Sunday It's on the Sunday Yes Super Sunday Let's talk about Why you talked about Manchester City there The love of your life Yes And I think we talked before Didn't we about the signers That they made during The Club World Cup With Reinders And Ike Norrie And Ryan Cherky But They've now had James Trafford 27 million Quid He was obviously At City way back Wasn't he then went to Burnley another buyout by clause but looks like 27 million emerging talent no question about that struggled in that season didn't he with Burnley when they went up but had a brilliant season in the championship Tony Tony my business partner on goal hangers massive Burnley fan and he's been raving about him hasn't he and he's it's funny as soon as anything gets mentioned on Burnley straight in the group chat isn't he Tony straight in he's straight in either with joy or rage like any other football fan.

31:59Alan Shearer:But, you know, he says that the season he's just had was sensational. So do you think, I suppose, unless Edison leaves, is he likely to start or will he be the cup keeper for this season? Yes, it's a good question. I don't know what the plans are at this moment in time. But in terms of, I remember a couple of seasons ago, he had everything absolutely everything and then that season that you were talking about there guys it just it didn't work it didn't work for them there was trying to play out it was he had too many shots to face he was struggling in confidence a little bit he was quite bullied a little bit on set pieces he's bulked up quite a lot and he's looking like he's basically become a man I think but there was something special about him and And I remember the under-21s tournament where he saved a penalty in the final.

32:58Didn't concede a single goal. Didn't concede. And it was his interview afterwards where he said something like he knew he was going to save it. He's got that, I won't say arrogance, but that confidence, let's say. And he believes in his ability. And there was aspects to his game where I thought, he's going to be a top keeper. Okay? He's not had a good season. Season went down. but there's something there and he goes and has an unbelievable season for Burnley last year so I'm not surprised it's just whether we keep talking about tactics and you know systems and all that sort of thing Edison with his feet he's the best he's the best I've ever seen in the Premier League with his feet without doubt Trafford is a really good yeah he's a really good shot stopper isn't he but with his feet and he can do it I've seen it I've seen clips but he's just not as elegant as say Edison and he takes a little bit longer.

33:50Edison is like, takes a touch, zing,

33:53Alan Shearer:he's the best of all of them, I think. You know, yeah, he's the best, yeah, with his feet. Even like the, the assists that he got for Haaland, I remember one, I think it was against Brighton, where it was like, 50, 60 yards, and then Haaland, bumped dunk off it, I think it was, and then slotted it in, so, obviously he's got a lot to live up to, but in terms of shot stopping, he's very good, he's got my backing. Tell you what, Chelsea have done, Chelsea do a lot of business, don't they? who keeps track on their team at the actual Chelsea? Like they're in, they're out. He's gone. He's in, he's out.

34:24Alan Shearer:I mean, they've done them some business. They've got Sorrel Hato for 40 million from Ajax. That's just been agreed. Be interesting to see who the centre-back pairing will be. They've got Hato, Colwell, Chalabar, Fafana coming back from injury. Disassi returns from his villa loan. Tossin, Badia Shiel, Mamadou Saar, who's just been bought from Strasbourg for 14 million. I mean although they think he might go straight out on loan and they're also closing on I know he plays a different position on Savvy Simon's deal so I mean God blimey

34:59Gary Lineker:De Lapp on top of that João Pedro on top of that

35:02Alan Shearer:the ones that already got I mean yeah it's like

35:04Gary Lineker:that's what I mean about the chasing pack with Newcastle and Forest and Spurs and all these clubs that must be looking above them and thinking goodness me the investment that the clubs were trying to catch are making is just incredible

35:17Alan Shearer:And they're very highly rumoured to be after Garnaccio, of course, from Man United as well. I mean, they have offloaded Al Felix to Al Masir. So, one out. One thing you've got to give them credit for, though, is that the big question marks, certainly for me and you, Al, was, you know, can the manager deal with all those players? And he dealt with it brilliantly well last season. So, the answer to that is yes. he looks quite cutthroat when he needs to be I think he's really good at the press he bit back a little bit you know when they got into the Champions League didn't he a little bit say I told you I was going to do it and all that sort of thing but I don't mind that from a manager backing himself and he's the boss the players are bought into what he wants to do and they performed but like you just mentioned there Jao Pedro in the club World Cup I mean sensation sensational signing for them and long may continue because you want the league to be competitive and I think it definitely will be this season interesting start to the season in terms of who they've bought and even in their pre-season friendlies Spurs just hearing that Paulinho's loan move has been confirmed really solid Premier League player really good so an impressive start I think for Thomas Frank they beat Arsenal of course I know these pre-season friendlies mean absolutely nothing, but it's still good for your confidence.

36:46Alan Shearer:Kudus has come. Kevin Danso, Matthias Tell as well. He was on loan last season, of course. They've taken that option to buy. So, you know, good business for Thomas Frank. I suppose the obvious thing is the Gibbs White. Yeah. Could we call that a debacle or a kind of...

37:07Gary Lineker:Yeah.

37:07Alan Shearer:I mean, I don't know how to use it. I don't know how to use it. but when he did you see when he was interviewed with and he had the chairman right by his side Marinakis and it looked like it was almost like got a gun to his head before he was talking it was just strange wasn't it it was so strange he didn't look the happiest

37:30Gary Lineker:didn't he

37:30Alan Shearer:and he mentioned his name this is really good because everything that Mr. Marinakis has done at the club and the chairman and he's like oh bless him we've got to be careful what we say though Al we don't want to get banned from the stadium do we do you know what I mean no we don't we don't but he managed to keep his player maybe someone needs to do that at Newcastle I don't know they might just do that

37:50Gary Lineker:let's wait and see you never know

37:52Alan Shearer:but yeah I think Spurs well they'll definitely have a better season than last season in terms of a league position because if they don't they'll go down Batman United obviously we've already talked about Cunha and Bumo two good sign-ins but they need a lot more a lot more don't they really realistic

38:11Gary Lineker:they need another at least another three I would say they need a top class centre forward they're in Posesco

38:16Alan Shearer:aren't they you mentioned earlier on about that as well so there's a lot going on quick mention before we go on on Sunderland because you know one of the promoted clubs obviously got up by the playoffs and they're often the teams that are almost certain to go down but they've done some business they've got Enzo Lafie for a fee of 19.3 million Habib Diara from Strasbourg for 30 million Noah Siddiqui from Royal Union Sangiloise what a name 15 million plus 2.5 in add-ons Mandava from Atletico Madrid and Afri Talbi from Club Bruges for 18 million Adingra from Brighton for 18 million Granit Xhaka I think is a really really good signing a bit of experience for 13 million And Robin Ruffs from Nijnegan, I don't know how to say that name, N-E-C Nijnegan, reported 11.5 million quid.

39:15Alan Shearer:So they're having a bright pop.

39:17Gary Lineker:Yeah, that's fine. I think I agree with you in terms of the Granit Jacket one. I think for experience-wise, that's a really good signing. Didn't Ipswich spend an absolute fortune last year? And that didn't help them. So we'll have to see. but as a fan you'd prefer them to see them doing that than doing nothing

39:34Alan Shearer:are you a fan? Sunderland, is that what you said?

39:38Gary Lineker:as a Sunderland fan you would like them to see them do that role and sit and stay

39:42Alan Shearer:well it still sounds like as a Sunderland fan as a fan myself

39:46Gary Lineker:let us see shall we? well before we go before we move on because I put in a group something that talks about Osserman basically signed a deal for three or four years in is that Galatasaray in Turkey? and I put in a group I can't believe it a top player like that should be playing I'm glad I just raised a massive club but in terms of European football it could do better than that in my opinion so Alan decides to say he's not sure is that good so I said he'd be top three number nines in the Premier League fact so I want you guys to put a little debate out on the rest of his football, on the socials, and see where he would rank in terms of number nines in the Premier League.

40:40Because Al can only name two, and I said he'd be through. Oh, come on.

40:44Gary Lineker:I mean, it's a bit unfair. You could. How little kids wish I was, Shaq? You're not saying Salah's like, I mean, come on. I know you're saying Salah's a winger, but I know he's not a nine, but as a... Oh, come on. Did you play? Salah, Isak, Holland. There you go. There's three. Salah, that is a ridiculous shout, that. You might as well put David Beckham in there as well, then, you silly son.

41:13Gary Lineker:Okay, Chau Pedro. There you go. There's three. No, Chau Pedro is... I was the one talking about him at Brighton. Unbelievable. But you cannot say he's better than Osserman. You cannot say that. Not a chance.

41:28Alan Shearer:I mean, I saw Osman play a couple of times against Leicester.

41:32Gary Lineker:Anyone score against that mob?

41:34Alan Shearer:When they were in the Europa League, yes, anyone can score against that mob, particularly nowadays, but not so much in there. But he was so impressive and I followed his career because of that and he was absolutely brilliant for Napoli. I mean, he was sensational for that season. And also we should mention that Lucas Paqueta has been cleared, so that which is pleasing for him and for West Ham fans, I'm sure. If you remember rightly, he had charges by an independent regulatory commission almost two years after the Football Association launched an investigation into him. The FA started their investigation in August 23 and the Brazil International was charged in May last year for allegedly getting booked deliberately for the improper purpose of affecting the betting market.

42:20Alan Shearer:Paqueta was facing the prospect of a lifetime ban if the 27-year-old was found guilty. The four charges against him related to a Premier League game against Leicester City on 12th of November 2022, as well as 23 fixtures against Villa and Leeds United and Bournemouth. The Regulatory Commission found these four charges to be not proven following the hearing. So he said, since the first day of the investigation, I've maintained my innocence against these extremely serious accusations. So, well, that's good that that's cleared up. before the accusations he was branded around for 100 million quid we stopped

43:01Gary Lineker:the deal to go into Man City Man City pulled out didn't they for that reason I mean it's incredible now that two years on after going through all of that there's nothing being proven against him what does he do now as an individual does he take legal proceedings

43:18Alan Shearer:100 % I mean I don't know it's not it spoiled his potential dream move if he's innocent then like if he went to court now they'd have to pay some sort of I don't know court fees or some sort of settlement or what not it spoiled his dream move yeah you know West Ham fans oh my god no I mean no disrespect to West Ham fans I mean he's been unbelievable West Ham Noah's a club once a player gets to a certain level that they happen to go and see them flourish as long as they're, you know, rewarded for that. So I don't, it doesn't, it doesn't, so much fishy. I don't like it. I don't like that at all.

44:00Alan Shearer:I don't know. That whole thing about gambling and they shouldn't have like odds on yellow cards and it shouldn't be because they don't need to do that, the bookies, do they? Odds on getting a yellow card in the second half. I mean, it opens it. I know temptations are there and there's people in dark spots around the world that can manipulate these things. And who knows, players could conceivably be threatened at some point to do this sort of thing by people that are trying to cash in on these odds and stuff. But anyway, that's just the whole slightly murky world around football and unfortunately of gambling.

44:41Alan Shearer:But anyway, that's it for the rest is football. We'll be back on Wednesday with our first part of an interview I did with Mikel John Obie. And I've got to say, guys, it was one of the most enjoyable, fascinating, absolutely mind-boggling interviews that I've ever done. And we did nearly two hours. And I'm going to put it out into two episodes. Honestly, his story of when he signed for Chelsea rather than Man United is quite simply extraordinary. And it took about 25, 30 minutes to tell it. His dad got kidnapped twice in his career, once before a big game and once before a World Cup match against Argentina.

45:23Alan Shearer:Extraordinary stories. And he tells the stories brilliantly. He's also funny. I think absolutely recommend anyone to listen to that. You'll really enjoy it. And lastly, another reminder to sign up for the Players Lounge. It's completely free and you can join by heading to therestiesfootball.com or by hitting the link in the description. But for now, goodbye from me. Goodbye from me. Goodbye from me.

45:56Close your eyes, exhale, feel your body relax, and let go of whatever you're carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-CONTACTS. Oh my gosh, they're so fast. And breathe. Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order. Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-CONTACTS.com today to save on your first order. 1-800-CONTACTS.

46:29Alan Shearer:Okay, so we didn't win the World Cup, but that doesn't mean we can't have a party. Me, Alan, and Micah are back from New York and looking forward to the start of a new domestic season. but we wanted to have a night out with as many of you as possible to talk football and have a bit of fun. So if you fancy coming to see The Rest is Football live, we're doing the show at London's Royal Festival Hall on Friday, September 4th. Wear your new shirts and come with your new season optimism. Tickets available at therestisfootball.com.