Alexander Isak issued a statement on his future on Tuesday evening and Newcastle made a swift response, insisting no promises were made to the striker.
During the PFA Footballer of the Year awards, Isak released a statement on social media accusing Newcastle of broken promises and thus their relationship “can’t continue.”
The Swede said that “change is in the best interest of everyone, not just myself” in response to the loss of trust, with Liverpool known to be his destination of choice.
Newcastle have since responded with a statement of their own, explaining that the 25-year-old remains under contract and “no commitment has ever been made” to sanction his exit.
Newcastle‘s full statement is as follows:
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.
The key part of the statement for those of a Liverpool persuasion will be that Newcastle did not categorically rule out a sale, simply saying, “We do not foresee those conditions being met.”
It somewhat leaves the door ajar to those conditions being met, which is finding a replacement and securing a transfer fee close to their £150 million valuation.
Liverpool have been expected to return with an improved offer before the transfer window closes on September 1, but it relies on Newcastle successfully signing a new forward.
Alexander Isak’s statement
Alexander Isak, Newcastle. PA
Isak was named in the PFA Team of the Year, alongside five other current Liverpool players, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Mo Salah.
He missed the event on Tuesday evening and released the following statement on his social media:
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 have 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 interest of everyone, not just myself.