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All you need to know about Germany's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Four-time world champions Germany will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of Europe's traditional powerhouses.

The German national team last won the World Cup in 2014, famously humiliating hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final before defeating Lionel Messi's Argentina in the final at the Maracana to bring the ultimate prize back to Berlin. However, since that triumph, Germany have experienced a significant slump in form at major international tournaments.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Die Mannschaft were shockingly eliminated in the group stages, a disappointment they repeated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after being drawn into a group of death alongside Spain, Japan, and Costa Rica.

Nevertheless, Germany possess a squad filled with high-quality players, including some of the most exciting young talents in Europe. This makes them a dangerous opponent despite their recent shortcomings at the big stage.

It will be interesting to see how Julian Nagelsmann utilizes this group of players and how far Germany can go in the tournament next year.

GOAL takes a look at the players at their disposal.

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  Goalkeepers

  With the legendary Manuel Neuer now retired from Germany duty, Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to be the first-choice goalkeeper for Die Mannschaft at the tournament in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year.

  However, Ter Stegen has faced injury issues of his own recently, which has thrown the race for the starting goalkeeper spot wide open. Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann has performed well in the Bundesliga, while Alexander Nubel of Stuttgart is also a reliable option, with Manchester City's Stefan Ortega not out of the running completely either.

  Still, if Ter Stegen remains fit, he is expected to be the undisputed starter, having spent much of his international career playing second fiddle to Neuer.

  Player	Club
  Marc-Andre ter Stegen	Barcelona
  Alexander Nubel	Stuttgart
  Oliver Baumann	Hoffenheim
  Kevin Trapp	Eintracht Frankfurt
  Stefan Ortega	Manchester City

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  Defenders

  In the German defence, some familiar names may be missing, but the options available to Julian Nagelsmann are still of high quality. Thilo Kehrer of Monaco has been impressive playing at center-back, while Jonathan Tah from Bayern Munich is another excellent option in the heart of the defense.

  Antonio Rudiger continues to be a stalwart at the back for both club and country and will once again be a key player for Germany at the World Cup next year.

  Waldemar Anton, who joined Borussia Dortmund from Stuttgart in 2024, is another strong contender for a center-back role alongside club teammate Niklas Sule.

  In the wider areas, Germany are well equipped with players like David Raum, Robin Gosens, and Maximilian Mittelstadt. Despite a seemingly weaker backline on paper as compared to the ones in previous years, Nagelsmann is the ideal manager to get the best out of them.

  Player	Club
  Jonathan Tah	Bayern Munich
  Antonio Rudiger	Real Madrid
  Thilo Kehrer	Monaco
  Waldemar Anton	Dortmund
  Robin Koch	Frankfurt
  David Raum	Salzburg
  Yann Bisseck	Inter Milan
  Nico Schlotterback	Dortmund
  Maximilian Mittelstadt	Stuttgart
  Robin Gosens	Fiorentina
  Benjamin Henrichs	Salzburg
  Malick Thiaw	AC Milan
  Luca Netz	Monchengladbach
  Julian Chabot	Stuttgart
  Niklas Sule	Dortmund
  Josha Vagnoman	Stuttgart

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  Midfielders

  Compared to the defence, Germany's midfield is significantly more formidable. Joshua Kimmich's presence in the middle of the park provides much-needed stability for the team, both in attack and defense.

  Young Aleksandar Pavlovic is one of the emerging talents in the German squad and could play a key role for Die Mannschaft at the tournament next year. Similarly, Felix Nmecha is another promising player who could be included in the World Cup squad.

  Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is also expected to have an important role to play, while the attacking responsibilities in midfield will likely fall on the shoulders of the brilliant Florian Wirtz, who recently joined Premier League champions Liverpool.

  Player	Club
  Joshua Kimmich	Bayern Munich
  Aleksandar Pavlovic	Bayern Munich
  Robert Andrich	Bayer Leverkusen
  Tom Bischof	Bayern Munich
  Leon Goretzka	Bayern Munich
  Pascal Groß	Dortmund
  Felix Nmecha	Dortmund
  Florian Wirtz	Liverpool
  Anton Stach	Hoffenheim
  Emre Can	Dortmund
  Vitaly Janelt	Brentford
  Angelo Stiller	Stuttgart
  Jamie Leweling	Stuttgart
  Brajan Gruda	Brighton

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  Attackers

  In the attacking department, Germany are well stacked with some of the top talents in Europe. Jamal Musiala will undoubtedly be the player to watch at the showpiece event in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next year. Despite his young age, Musiala is already considered one of the best attacking players in Europe.

  Alongside him, Leroy Sane and Serge Gnabry offer exciting options on the flanks for Nagelsmann, both possessing tremendous pace and flair.

  In the striking role, Nagelsmann will have several quality options to choose from. Arsenal's Kai Havertz, although not a traditional striker, can play a vital role with his goal contributions. Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade has also impressed in the Bundesliga and could make a strong case for himself if he continues to perform consistently.

  Deniz Undav and Niclas Fulkrug are also two very interesting options that Nagelsmann could possibly opt for.

  Player	Club
  Jamal Musiala	Bayern Munich
  Serge Gnabry	Bayern Munich
  Leroy Sane	Galatasaray
  Karim Adeyemi	Dortmund
  Deniz Undav	Stuttgart
  Niclas Fulkrug	West Ham
  Maximilian Beier	Dortmund
  Julian Brandt	Dortmund
  Kai Havertz	Arsenal
  Nick Woltemade	Stuttgart
  Ansgar Knauff	Frankfurt
  Kevin Schade	Brentford
  Youssoufa Moukoko	Copenhagen
  Timo Werner	Leipzig
  Paul Nebel	Mainz

Jordan Henderson has opened up on his departure from Ajax after the Dutch club mutually agreed to terminate his contract, allowing the former Liverpool captain to return to the Premier League with Brentford. In a heartfelt message, Henderson reflected on his 'immense pride' in representing Ajax, thanking fans and teammates for their support during a turbulent 18 months.

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• Henderson signs for Brentford after Ajax contract terminated
• Ex-Liverpool captain reflects on "immense pride" at Ajax
• Midfielder expected to lead Brentford through transition season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Henderson’s stint at Ajax has officially come to an end after the Eredivisie giants agreed to terminate his contract. The England midfielder is now set to return to the Premier League after brief spells in Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands. Henderson described his Ajax chapter as one filled with both challenges and pride.

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  WHAT HENDERSON SAID

  On Instagram, Henderson wrote: "I’ll always look back on these last 18 months with immense pride.

  "When I first arrived at Ajax, I instantly felt the stature and history of the club. Despite knowing they were going through a difficult period, it was obvious that Ajax is special — true European royalty, synonymous with playing football a certain way. That identity and those values will always endure.

  "My first six months were challenging in many ways. Nevertheless, we managed to secure European football, which was vitally important. A new chapter began with the arrival of Mr Farioli and his staff, and from that point on, I could feel and see the strength of the team growing week by week. To be challenging for the title until the final day, and to secure Champions League football — I don’t think anyone would have expected that before a ball was kicked last season.

  "Unfortunately, we didn’t quite get over the line with the title, but I felt we achieved so much together. That was evident after the final game of the season — the whole stadium stayed to applaud and sing to the players and staff on the pitch. That was the moment I realised what we had achieved together, and how special our journey had been. Together.

  "Most importantly, we gave our incredible fans something to cheer for — something to get excited by. We gave supporters the chance to see the team they love giving everything on the pitch. That feeling is something I’ll always remember and take with me forever.

  "Thank you to the players, staff, fans, and everyone connected with Ajax. It was an honour to captain your club. I hope you could see that I gave everything every time I stepped onto the pitch. I’ll miss being with this group of players day to day, but I’ll always be watching and supporting them from afar.

  "I wish you all the very best of luck for the future, and I hope that this season John and the boys can go one step further. They deserve it — and so do the fans. Success will return, and soon.

  "I look forward to coming back with my family to the Arena in the future, as supporters ourselves. Ajax will always hold a special place in our hearts."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 34-year-old Liverpool legend is now set to move to Brentford as part of a broader rebuild at the London club following the exits of Thomas Frank and Christian Norgaard, and the potential departures of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo. Henderson’s leadership and experience are seen as crucial assets in a transitional season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR HENDERSON?

  The former Liverpool star will link up with Brentford’s new head coach, Keith Andrews, as the Bees prepare for the 2025/26 campaign. He’s expected to play a leading role both on and off the pitch as the club looks to stabilise and push for a top-half finish. Meanwhile, Ajax fans will watch closely to see if Henderson’s prediction of a swift return to success comes true.

The breakout star of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup is reportedly catching the eyes of European clubs, with Celta Vigo named to the list

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• USMNT's Luna garnering transfer interest
• Spanish side Celta Vigo reportedly admire forward
• The 21-year-old broke out at Gold Cup

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. men's national team attacker Diego Luna is reportedly garnering transfer interest from multiple European clubs, including La Liga side Celta Vigo,

  Luna, 21, was the breakout star of the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup for the USMNT, scoring three goals and registering two assists en route to the championship game of the competition, where they fell just short to Mexico in the final, falling 2-1.

  Ahead of the 2025 MLS season, Leeds United were a club named as admirers of his talents as well, but as things stand, there have been no approaches to MLS side Real Salt Lake for his services.

  Tom Bogert was the first to report Celta's interest in Luna

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Luna is set to be the subject of transfer interest from all over Europe this summer, according to the report, with multiple clubs impressed with his performances for club and country of late.

  For Real Salt Lake this MLS season, the 21-year-old winger has scored eight goals and added four assists in 16 appearances for the Western Conference side. Before starring for RSL, Luna played in the USL with El Paso Locomotive FC as a teenager from 2021 to 2022.

  Celta Vigo finished seventh in La Liga last season, clinching a berth in the UEFA Europa League this coming season. They are managed by Claudio Giraldez.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Luna was named MLS Young Player of the Year in 2024 after scoring eight goals and recording 12 assists across the regular season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LUNA?

  Luna, back in the mix and available for selection for RSL after returning from USMNT duty, will next be able to return to the pitch when they host the Houston Dynamo Saturday evening in MLS action.

Chelsea's stunning victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup shocked much of the football world, as few expected them to overcome the reigning European champions in such emphatic fashion. Now, Italian legend Christian Vieri has backed them to build on that momentum and, under Enzo Maresca's inspiring guidance, win the Premier League in the 2025-26 campaign.

• Chelsea were crowned World Champions in the USA
• Thrashed PSG 3-0 in the final
• Blues tipped for Premier League glory

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Having won four of their last five matches to close out the 2024-25 Premier League season, Chelsea secured their return to Champions League football. That late-season charge, paired with their Conference League and global success, has positioned them as a team poised to dominate both at home and abroad.

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  WHAT VIERI SAID

  Vieri admitted he had expected PSG to lift the Club World Cup trophy, but was quick to praise Chelsea’s hunger and tactical superiority.

  "(I) thought PSG would win," he said in an interview with . "When you win all the time, you get cocky. And then comes the slap in the face because there are others hungrier than you.”

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  Vieri was especially glowing in his assessment of Maresca, the Chelsea manager who took charge just over a year ago.

  "He worked with Guardiola for years, and it shows. It wasn’t just about high pressing, it was possession-based, organised football with fast players, quality and power, which always adds something," he opined.

  Vieri went on to predict that under Maresca’s leadership, Chelsea could very well go on to dominate both England and Europe in the next season.

  "For me, Chelsea will win the Premier League next season and be a contender for the Champions League," he added.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  While optimism is high, Chelsea’s path at the start of the new season won’t be easy. The Premier League returns in a month and the west London outfit will begin their campaign with a string of London derbies, fixtures that are always emotionally charged and fiercely contested. Their opening game will be against Crystal Palace followed by matches against West Ham United, Fulham and Brentford.

Cristiano Ronaldo once again demonstrated his relentless drive on the pitch, helping Al-Nassr overturn a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory over French side Toulouse in a friendly held ahead of the new season. The match, played at Untersberg-Arena, saw the Saudi Pro League side show character and resolve, with Ronaldo leading from the front.

• Al-Nassr beat Toulouse in a friendly
• Ronaldo scored the equaliser in the first half
• Portuguese forward geared up for the new season

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Toulouse made the brighter start to the game, breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute through Yan Gboho. However, Al-Nassr wasted little time in mounting a response. Just eight minutes after falling behind, the Saudi side drew level thanks to their iconic No.7. The Portuguese superstar made no mistake with his finish, firing past the Toulouse goalkeeper to level the score at 1-1 in the 33rd minute. Al-Nassr's persistence finally paid off in the 76th minute when Mohammed Maran found the net to give them a deserved lead.

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• WHAT RONALDO SAID

  After the match, Ronaldo took to social media and wrote: “The hunger never fades. Still work to do and we’re just getting started 💪⚽”.

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  Ronaldo clinched the Golden Boot in the Gulf State for the 2024–25 campaign, having netted an impressive 35 goals for Al-Nassr across all competitions. He signed a new deal that will keep him at the club through the 2026–27 season, underlining his intent to lead them to domestic and continental glory.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RONALDO?

  Looking ahead, Al-Nassr’s pre-season preparations will continue in Spain, where they will face La Liga outfit Almeria at the Estadio Mediterraneo on Sunday, August 10. Shortly afterwards, they will return to Saudi Arabia to compete in a high-stakes domestic clash on August 19, against arch-rivals Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup.

Chelsea's valuation of transfer target Xavi Simons revealed as talks with RB Leipzig drag on. The Blues are confident of signing the Dutch midfielder, however, they are yet to submit a formal proposal to the Bundesliga club. Leipzig, on the other hand, ae busy with their negotiations with Manchester United and Newcastle over the transfer of their star striker Benjamin Sesko.

• Chelsea's valuation of Simons revealed
• Yet to submit a formal offer for Simons  
• Blues confident of signing Dutch international 

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Sky Sports journalist , the Blues are not willing to pay more than £50 million ($66m), as they value the Dutch international between €50m and €55m. Chelsea have not placed a formal offer for Simons with RB Leipzig.    

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Football.London's , on the other hand, claims that while talks haven't progressed with RB Leipzig, the Blues remain confident that they will be able to secure the transfer. An insider told the journalist, "It’s not always easy, but it is nothing at all to worry about." Leipzig, meanwhile, are in talks with United and Magpies as both Premier League clubs are fighting for Sesko.  

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Another report from journalist claims that Chelsea have agreed to pay £60m ($80m) to RB Leipzig as they are on the verge of sealing Simons' transfer, who will sign a seven-year contract, valid until 2032.   

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  While Simons' transfer talks drag on, RB Leipzig have already identified the midfielder's replacement as they eye a move for Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.   

Liverpool are clinging to the hope that Alexander Isak can be prised away from Newcastle, but the blockbuster transfer faces two big problems.

• Reds left short of striker options
• Must smash records to land Swede
• Two arrivals required at St. James' Park

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The reigning Premier League champions saw their lack of central striking options highlighted in the 2025 Community Shield, with Arne Slot’s side missing an attacking focal point after taking Hugo Ekitike – who had opened the scoring against Crystal Palace – off in the second half at Wembley.

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  The Reds have sold Darwin Nunez to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, meaning that they are short of cover in the No.9 department. A record-breaking raid on Newcastle for Sweden international Isak continues to be mooted.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Isak is said to have tabled a transfer request at St. James’ Park, but the Magpies remain understandably reluctant to part with their prized asset. A deal could still be done before the next deadline passes, but the stars need to align on Merseyside and Tyneside in order for that to happen.

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  TELL ME MORE

  According to , Newcastle will need to sign two strikers “of suitable quality” before entering into Isak sale talks. Liverpool must also stump up a British transfer record £150 million ($202m) in order to land the prolific 25-year-old.

The summer has not gone well for certain managers, while certain high-profile signings are under intense pressure to justify their fees

The new Premier League season is about to get under way, with defending champions Liverpool hosting Bournemouth on Friday, so it's time for us at GOAL to stick our necks out and make some predictions.

Ahead of the big kick-off at Anfield, our writers have already started having their say on the biggest talking points going into the 2025-26 season, including the Golden Boot winner, the first manager to be sacked and potential surprise packages.

Here, though, we're focusing on flops, by trying to figure out which teams will be the biggest disappointments of the coming campaign. Last term saw both Tottenham and Manchester United finish in the bottom six, so is there a team who could follow suit this time around? Our writers have their say…

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  'Villa run the risk of regressing'

  Mark Doyle: It's difficult not to be a little worried for Aston Villa. Unai Emery has done a sensational job with a club the hapless Steven Gerrard left in relegation trouble and reached the quarter-finals of last season's Champions League, where they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. However, Villa's failure to qualify for this season's competition has hit them hard by seriously restricting their market movements. Emery's squad has barely been strengthened at all; in fact, it's even weaker than last season and when one considers Thursday night football is never really conducive to a good Premier League season. As such, Villa really run the risk of regressing this year.

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  'Newcastle may struggle to finish in the top eight'

  James Westwood: Newcastle will fall out of the Champions League places after failing to land almost all of their primary summer transfer targets. Eddie Howe does not have the tools to build on the club's historic 2024-25 campaign, and things could yet get worse with star striker Alexander Isak pushing for the exits. The Magpies may struggle to even finish in the top eight if Isak leaves, because no one in the squad is even close to capable of replicating his goal output.

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  'Brentford could be relegated'

  Amee Ruszkai: After being a wonderful addition to the Premier League in recent seasons, I'm really concerned about Brentford this term. Not only have they lost a fantastic manager in Thomas Frank, and replaced him with the inexperienced Keith Andrews, they've also bid farewell to top scorer Bryan Mbeumo, club captain Christian Norgaard and could yet lose starting striker Yoanne Wissa as well. It feels like too much all at once and could well result in the Bees losing their place in the top-flight.

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  'City's signings have been a little strange'

  Sean Walsh: The case for Manchester City improving on last season is that Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers ever and they have too much quality to fail so spectacularly again. That said, the Catalan coach is already talking of taking a post-Etihad sabbatical, while their signings have been a little strange. They'll need Rodri to get back up to speed to compete for the title again.

The Colombian captain suggested he is open to staying, but also willing to explore other opportunities

• Has registered seven assists
• León sit 10th in the Apertura 2025 standings
• James has missed the last two matches with injury

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  James Rodríguez admitted that León’s front office has yet to approach him about extending his contract, which expires in December, raising the possibility that this could be his final tournament with the Esmeraldas.

  Although there is still time to negotiate, Rodríguez revealed that the club has made no move so far. The Colombian captain suggested he is open to staying, but if an offer never comes, he would be willing to explore other opportunities for the next stage of his career.

  “They haven’t said anything yet," he told FOX Sports. "There are still three or four months left, but I always say a club should come before any player or name. We’ll see if they want me to continue – if not, I’ll look for another path."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The playmaker has missed León’s last two Liga MX matches with a knock, though he is expected to be back soon and could even feature this weekend. Rodríguez also recognized the challenge of pushing León toward a title given their current form.

  “You need to be right in every aspect – physically, mentally – and the team has to be in good shape as well. We all know it will be tough, but we have to go one game at a time,” he said.

• AFP
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  James joined León ahead of the Clausura 2025, appearing in 17 matches with two goals across 1,313 minutes. This Apertura, he has played 209 minutes in three games, scoring once.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CLUB LEÓN?

  León host Pachuca on Saturday in Matchday 5, where the Colombian could make his return to the pitch.

Alexander Isak's Newcastle United transfer saga has been compared to Gareth Bale and Luka Modric's past exits from Tottenham.

• Isak wants Newcastle transfer move
• Saga compared to Bale & Modric's Spurs exits
• Magpies sent Levy warning

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amid Isak's efforts to leave Newcastle and join Liverpool, former Arsenal defender William Gallas believes there are similarities with this situation and when Modric and Bale left Tottenham for Real Madrid in 2012 and 2013, respectively. The ex-France international also opened up on Spurs chairman Daniel Levy's efforts to keep the duo, in a warning of sorts to the Magpies.

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  WHAT GALLAS SAID

  He told Gambling Zone: "I think what Newcastle tried to do is what Daniel Levy tried to do many times with Gareth Bale and Luka Modric. But with those two, the situation hadn’t come this far. They were still training. They weren’t in the newspapers. They were professional. It wasn’t a saga. Newcastle have to be careful. Hugo Ekitike scored twice already, and Liverpool won their game. So they have to be careful about how they handle it from here, because if Newcastle ask for a ridiculous price, Liverpool could walk away from the table and then you have a situation where the player is in limbo and Newcastle will probably have to accept less money for him in January while also having a weaker squad for the first half of the season."

  When asked if the Isak situation was similar to Bale and Modric's transfers, the former Spurs man added: "I don't know with Gareth, but with Luca. I know it was hard for him. He was furious that his move dragged on. He was very angry with Daniel Levy. When you look at the situation of Alexander Isak, we all know he wants to leave the club. The club wants to keep him, but he won’t train. He’s trying to force his way out, but that’s not the best way to leave the club. Because when you leave, and join a new club, you have to be ready physically. You don’t want to be out of shape for your first day with your new team-mates. If you move, you still have to train with your current club."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After Newcastle rejected an offer for Isak from Liverpool, along with expressing their disappointment at the Swede's antics, manager Eddie Howe said on Friday that this saga is "coming to an end". Whether the former Real Sociedad man gets his dream Anfield move remains to be seen.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Despite criticising Isak's actions, including going on strike, Gallas believes Newcastle should allow him to leave.

  He added: "I think the way Isak has handled this, it looks like he’s been given bad advice from his circle. Simple. (The current situation) That is (a result of) bad advice from his people. But at the same time, listen, I won't only blame him because I also think that Newcastle must take some responsibility for what is happening here.  I'm not sure I agree with the approach the club has taken. The player has scored loads of goals every season. 

  "Last season, he hit more than 20 goals. You’re going to double your money for him with Liverpool’s offer. He gave everything to Newcastle in those last few years, and sometimes you have to let players leave at that point. It doesn’t seem fair to make his life so hard when a huge offer comes in. Some players really don’t care about the clubs they play for, and think only about themselves. They don’t see it as clubs giving them the opportunity, and they don’t think fine, I’ll stay another year. You can’t say that Isak hasn’t given everything for Newcastle since he joined the club. Some of his teammates, if a big club comes knocking, rather than staying for another year and paying the club back, they may be encouraged to act like he has done to ensure that they get a move. Ultimately, Newcastle should let him go."