Latest Liverpool transfer news as Newcastle United fire back after bombshell Alexander Isak statement amid saga
Alexander Isak.
The transfer saga between Alexander Isak and Newcastle has taken a fresh twist as Liverpool watch on.
(Image: Photo by Mehmet Futsi/Anadolu via Getty Images)
The transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak and Liverpool has taken a new dramatic twist. The Sweden international didn't attend the Professional Footballers Association (PFA) Awards last night but he broke his silence in what has been a summer dominated by the forward's future.
With Liverpool set to travel to St James' Park for their second Premier League encounter of the season, the backdrop will be heavily focused on Isak and what the future holds for the 25-year-old. The Reds have already had a bid worth £110million rejected by the Magpies, with the North East club steadfast that he is not for sale this summer.
Without a replacement, or even two new faces through the door, reports throughout the summer have suggested that Eddie Howe's side will not entertain any approach until they source reinforcements in the area.
In light of Isak's statement, the saga has reached new dramatic new heights. The ECHO has rounded up the fallout from the latest development.
Alexander Isak slams Newcastle in bombshell transfer statement
As Isak's professional peers, who were selected in the PFA's Premier League Team of the Season, collected their accolades together on stage in Manchester, the forward remained at home.
Throughout the summer, the striker remained silent despite frequent reports surrounding his future that seemingly lay away from St James' Park.
It had emerged that Isak expressed a desire to explore his options following reports of interest from Liverpool but on Tuesday for the first time, he broke his silence detailing the 'broken promises'.
"I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken," a post on Instagram read.
"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 statement in response to Isak
Newcastle responded with a club statement due to the magnitude of the transfer saga.
The Magpies conceded that there are conditions in which Isak can be sold, however they have not been met and they do not foresee those being met.
In a summer which has seen Newcastle miss out on a number of transfer targets, Isak started off in their preparations in Austria but left the squad prior to their pre-season friendly in Scotland before missing the tour of the Far East.
Once they returned, Howe had taken drastic action and banished the forward from first-team training. The statement concludes that Isak remains part of 'the family' and will be welcomed back into the fold when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.
It read: "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.
Alexander Isak shouting
Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
"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 dressing room divided over Isak
Craig Hope of the Daily Mail has reported that any hope of Isak completing an exit from St James' Park have diminished significantly following the statement.
It has been suggested that the Magpies will slam the exit door shut after his public outburst has not been well received from figures in the North East.
The saga involving the feared Premier League talisman has now turned significantly sour.
The Mail reporter adds that his relationship with the Newcastle boss, coaching staff or teammates hasn't changed but now there is a divide within the football club with those who support him, and those who don't.
Newcastle, it has been claimed, will not be bullied into a sale and Hope describes that after a 'summer of many missteps' from Isak and his representatives, the public outburst may be the biggest of all.