Newcastle United’s handling of the Alexander Isak transfer saga has come from the very top shot-callers at St James’ Park.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan ordered the Newcastle United hierarchy to keep Alexander Isak at St James’ Park earlier this year.
An intense transfer saga has reached boiling point over the last 24 hours. Isak - who has downed tools in recent weeks to force a move to Liverpool - broke his silence on Instagram yesterday.
The Swede accused Toon chiefs of breaking promises while insisting a transfer is best for all parties. Newcastle fired back hours later - dismissing Isak’s claims and promising to act “in the best interests” of the club.
Newcastle United transfer stance
It is now understood that the Magpies are set to dig their heels in as the transfer window draws to a close. Insiders are furious at how Isak has handled the saga, from bailing on the pre-season tour to jetting off to former club Real Sociedad.
Newcastle genuinely tried to sign an Isak replacement - as hinted at with the “conditions of a sale” line in their statement. Deals ultimately fell through for Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, leaving the Magpies unwilling to weaken the squad ahead of a Champions League campaign.
Moreover, no club has offered a suitable fee for the player. Liverpool opened with a £110million offer widely viewed as derisory by the St James’ Park shot-callers.
Yasir Al-Rumayyan loves Alexander Isak
The Daily Mail reported in March - following the Carabao Cup triumph - that Isak is chairman Al-Rumayyan’s favourite player. In the report, the PIF governor is also said to have told Toon bosses to snub all offers for the forward.
Barcelona were the club thought to be monitoring Isak at the time but their financial situation makes any move impossible. Until recent events, keeping him on Tyneside was viewed as a non-negotiable, with Newcastle wanting to bolster their attacking ranks ahead of a huge campaign.
Anthony Elanga joined in July and the Magpies have held talks with Brentford for Yoane Wissa. A six-pronged attack of Elanga, Wissa, Isak, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy would give Eddie Howe a raft of options to deal with the European demands.
That is, of course, dependent on Isak staying and, if he does, performing well in black-and-white stripers. Expect this saga to rumble on over the ensuing days and weeks.
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Newcastle United full statement
“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” the announcement 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.
“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.”
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