Alexander Isak has made it clear he is very angry with Newcastle United.
For the first time this summer, Isak addressed his situation. He released a statement on Instagram saying that it is best for all parties that he is allowed to leave Newcastle United.
Isak feels that promises have been broken, which is believed to be in relation to not getting a new contract in 2024.
Newcastle have hit back at Isak, making it clear that he will not be sold unless certain conditions are met. A replacement is needed and a suitable offer must come in, which feels extremely unlikely in the remaining days of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old can be angry if he wants, but perhaps that anger should be directed at the club he wants to join, Liverpool.
Alexander Isak celebrates scoring for Newcastle United against Liverpool.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Alexander Isak must ask why Liverpool bought Hugo Ekitike
Isak wants to join Liverpool, while they are the only realistic club that can sign him this summer.
However, they actually made the situation much more difficult for themselves and Isak in July.
On 14th July, Newcastle made their move for Hugo Ekitike. They were pushing to bring the Frenchman to Tyneside, and were prepared to make him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever.
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There was belief that Ekitike would join Newcastle, but the situation changed when Liverpool entered the equation.
The Reds registered their interest in Isak, while making it clear that if they can’t have him then they would move for Ekitike.
As has been the case all summer, Newcastle did not want to sell Isak. That is not to say that they would not have sold him, as the situation would have been very different if Liverpool had submitted an offer of £150million, which is how much Newcastle want for Isak.
Instead, Liverpool signed Ekitike.
A player who could have replaced Isak at St James’ Park had moved to Anfield, and that has proven to be a decisive moment in this saga.
Newcastle United have tried to facilitate Alexander Isak leaving
Ekitike is not the only striker Newcastle United have tried to sign who could have replaced Isak.
The first player they targeted was Joao Pedro. However, Pedro chose Chelsea.
In the aftermath of Isak wanting to leave and Ekitike joining Liverpool, Newcastle moved for Benjamin Sesko. Alas, Sesko joined Manchester United instead.
There has been a clear attempt from the Magpies to create a path for Isak to leave. Ultimately, the players they targeted chose to move elsewhere.
Newcastle cannot be blamed for that, while it is staggering that one of those players was bought by Liverpool, the club that have also been trying to buy Isak.