The Alexander Isak saga took perhaps the biggest twist yet on Tuesday night.
After missing the PFA awards ceremony, the poorly-advised Swede decided to go nuclear by breaking his silence on Instagram, saying: _”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.”_
One last desperate attempt to force a move? Well, it’s not gone down well on Tyneside, with the strongly-worded statement dealt with swiftly by Newcastle United, who have hit back with the following club statement:
_‘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.’_
So, the key points:
* The club are not happy with Isak’s bombshell statement
* No club official has told Isak he can leave this summer
* The club have told the player and his agent that we must act in the best interests of Newcastle, the team and fans; not just what’s best for Alexander Isak.
* No club has matched our price tag and we don’t expect our demands to be met
* Isak will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates
A strong and swift response from the club, who have set their stall out quite clearly and killed Isak with kindness.