The summer transfer window of 2025 has been a whirlwind of drama, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa at the center of intense speculation. Both players have made headlines for their attempts to force moves away from their respective clubs, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike. However, former Premier League midfielder and talkSPORT co-host Jamie O’Hara has come to their defence, urging fans and critics to consider the bigger picture behind their actions.
Clubs Holding Both Players Ransom
"I understand it doesn't look great for a player who's kicking up a fuss and wants to get out. There's been promises made, right? One to Wissa, and one to Isak. Whether there's been a gentleman's handshake, whatever it is. They've gone back on that and now they're trying to hold their players ransom.
When a club is holding you to ransom saying they want £150m, or they want £60m for Wissa, come on guys! Let's be realistic. Wissa done a job for you, you said he could leave, gave him a gentleman's agreement, now you're going back on it."
"The clubs are holding them to ransom, it's out of order" 🤔
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 19, 2025
Jamie O'Hara defends Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa by saying there have been broken promises by their clubs and players want to get the most out of their careers. pic.twitter.com/tNIJn3L8dS
You Only Get One Career
"What I would say is, there's always going to be a Newcastle, right? They're going to be around forever, Brentford are going to be around forever. As a player, you get one chance in a career, you get one career, you've got to try and get the max out of it as you can. If you can an opportunity to go better yourself by playing for Liverpool, or Wissa's at Brentford, he goes to a massive club like Newcastle, you're crying at that opportunity.
When the club want you out, and you've got time on your contract, they want to push you out the door, they want to shove you out the door. When a player wants to leave for an opportunity to better themselves, oh! You're not allowed to do that!"
