Newcastle have hit back at Alexander Isak in response to the player’s stunning statement on his Newcastle future.
Isak addressed the long-running saga which has seen him get heavily linked with a move away for the first time in a bombshell post on Instagram on Tuesday night.
In the statement, Isak cited ‘broken promises’ by the club as the reason he cannot remain at St James’ Park.
The Sweden striker is understood to be keen on a move to Liverpool, who submitted a £110million bid to Newcastle for him, an offer that was swiftly rejected.
Isak didn’t take part in Newcastle‘s pre-season tour earlier this summer and played no part in their opening Premier League match at Aston Villa last weekend having earlier refused to play for the club again in a shocking ultimatum.
Addressing his no-show at the PFA Awards in London, Isak said: “I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25.
“First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”
Newcastle’s response
Later on Tuesday, Newcastle responded with a statement of their own.
It read: “We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening.
“We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.
“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views.
“As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.
“We do not foresee those conditions being met.
“This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”
Will Isak get the move?
talkSPORT understands Isak’s comments earlier on Tuesday took his club by surprise, however, it’s clear that their transfer stance on him has not changed.
The Magpies have maintained throughout the summer that the 25-year-old is not for sale, especially now as they are not engaged in any active talks with a player who’s deemed a suitable replacement.
After rejecting the £110m bid from Liverpool, Newcastle appeared to soften their stance as they looked to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
However, Sesko’s decision to join Manchester United instead means Newcastle were back to square one and are now determined to keep hold of their player. Meanwhile, they’re also scrambling to sign Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.
As for Liverpool, they’re ready to make an improved £120m bid for the player, which would be a British transfer record.
But this is some way short of Newcastle’s £150m valuation of the player.
Whatever happens over the next few days, it makes the clash between Newcastle and Liverpool next Monday night all the more mouth-watering.
Listen to full commentary of Newcastle vs Liverpool live and exclusively on talkSPORT, kick-off 8pm.
talkSPORT reaction
Jamie O’Hara and Jason Cundy, two former pros, suggested the situation has become untenable regarding Isak’s future at Newcastle.
Cundy said on The Sports Bar: “The situation isn’t going to get any better from this point, and this is inflammatory from Isak.
“For the sake of this conversation, let’s assume what he’s said is true because I can’t see him lying. If he does feel aggrieved, and the club has let him down, there has to be a point where everyone moves on from this.
“The worst-case scenario is that the transfer window shuts and that Isak is still a Newcastle player. No one benefits from that. No one gains from that.”
Meanwhile, O’Hara said to a Newcastle fan: “He is burying your football club. He is burying your reputation.
“The way he is treating you and the way he is acting. When he leaves, it will all be forgotten.”
“Of course, and it is a fantastic football club, but he is damaging the football club because he’s coming out with all these statements. He’s making Newcastle look like a mockery.”