Alexander Isak has broken his silence on his desire to leave Newcastle United this summer, posting on social media to claim promises made to him by the North East side have been broken.
Isak chose not to attend the PFA awards, where he was named in the 2025/26 Team of the Year, because it "didn't feel right to be there". He said that "trust is lost" with Newcastle and that it is best for all parties if he moves on. The 25-year-old wants to join Liverpool.
The Reds, who play Newcastle next, have already seen one bid turned down for Isak this summer. The Magpies have so far been unwilling to countenance him leaving, though it has been chasing potential replacements.
"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," Isak wrote in a statement posted on his Instagram story.
"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."
Isak has been training alone after missing Newcastle's pre-season trip to Asia. At the weekend, he sat out the trip to Aston Villa, where Eddie Howe's men could only draw 0-0 even after Ezri Konsa was sent off.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United looks on
Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
"Nothing has changed," Howe said when questioned about the latest on Isak's future at the weekend. "The door is well and truly open.
"He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. We need that clarity. You don't need any kind of distraction.
"I am not in control of that. There is one person who can control that. Let's wait and see. I have made my stance clear. I am concentrating on the team."
Liverpool has already signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer. However, the Reds have sold Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez in recent weeks, leaving Arne Slot short of forward options.