Newcastle United have hit back at Liverpool target Alexander Isak in response to the striker’s bombshell statement on his future at St James’ Park.
The high-profile saga surrounding the 25-year-old is currently dominating the talk of the summer transfer window, with Premier League champions Liverpool having already failed with one British-record offer worth £110m.
Isak expressed his desire to leave the Magpies and explore his options at the end of last month before refusing to play for the club during pre-season, and he is currently training away from Eddie Howe’s first team.
The Sweden international decided to skip Tuesday’s PFA awards ceremony in Manchester due to his situation at Newcastle, despite being named in the Team of the Year.
However, Isak went public for the first time that same evening to address his situation and confirmed that he “can’t continue” at Newcastle, claiming on Instagram that he has “lost trust” in the Magpies after accusing the club of "broken promises".
Isak’s bombshell statement has not gone down well with Newcastle’s hierarchy and the club have responded with their own statement, insisting that “no commitment has ever been made” to let the striker leave this summer.
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak pictured on May 25, 2025
Newcastle “do not foresee” Liverpool target Isak being sold this summer
Despite strong interest from Liverpool, Newcastle "do not foresee" Isak being sold as the conditions required for them to sanction a sale before the September 1 deadline are unlikely to transpire.
A statement released by Newcastle late on Tuesday night 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.”
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak pictured on April 2, 2025
Isak’s chances of joining Liverpool are fading, but all hope is not lost just yet
Newcastle have made it clear throughout this summer that they would only entertain the thought of selling Isak if they were able to sign an adequate replacement and that a club met their £150m valuation of the Swede.
Liverpool’s opening bid of £110m at the beginning of this month fell short of Newcastle’s asking price and the Reds have allegedly**‘sanctioned’ an improved British-record £130m offer** for Isak next week, with reports stating that they are confident the Magpies will let the wantaway striker leave.
It is understood that Arne Slot’s side do not intend to submit their improved bid until after next Monday’s eagerly-anticipated Premier League showdown with Newcastle at St James’ Park.
While Liverpool have forked out over £250m on new players so far this summer, Newcastle have pursued a plethora of alternatives to Isak and have been left frustrated in the transfer market, with top targets including Hugo Ekitike - now at Liverpool - Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko all opting to join Premier League rivals.
Howe would ideally like to sign two strikers before the deadline having already seen Callum Wilson leave upon the expiration of his contract, and it is understood that the Magpies retain a firm interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.
Isak, who still has three years remaining on his Newcastle contract, won the EFL Cup with the Magpies last season and has contributed with 62 goals and 11 assists in 109 appearances for the club across all tournaments since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022.
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