Isak saga 'extremely derailing' for team-mates and Howe
It has been the soap opera of the transfer window, but with the curtain raising on the Premier League this evening, there is no clarity on whether Isak will remain in at Newcastle or get his desired move.
Manager Eddie Howe has previously told BBC Sport's Ciaran Kelly the situation has not been "healthy" and has posed "a big challenge" for his squad to manage during pre-season.
"It will have affected some more than others," Murray told the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast. "Every footballer understands that you are an individual entity and you need to look after yourself first and foremost.
"Isak clearly thinks his time at the football club is up and he wants to win more trophies than just the League Cup.
"He doesn't want to just be part of the Premier League and Champions League but be within a chance of winning them.
"It's extremely derailing. But I am sure if he walked back into the dressing room ready to face Aston Villa, there would be 18 delighted players to see him back in black and white.
"I do understand why he wants to leave. He has delivered what he promised and I think Newcastle have delivered on what they promised him.
"There is no doubt that he will be leaving a football club that he has made better, but there does come a time in a player's career where they want to go for big trophies.
"Ultimately, that is his level. He has improved so much that he is the one that the big clubs want.
"This saga needs to come to an end sooner rather than later so that Newcastle can understand where they sit in the transfer market."
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