Alexander Isak has broken his silence to share why he feels the talk about his conduct is unfair. The 25-year-old is still in a public standoff with Newcastle United, and he believes that the Toon have done him wrong to a point where "change is in the best interests of everyone" involved in this saga.
‘Promises were made’
The Swedish striker has been a storming success for the first three years of his six-year deal. A £63 million club record signing from Real Sociedad, the previous campaign was the best of his career.
He hit 21 Premier League goals in the 2023/24 season and two more last term. On top of that, he scored three goals in the Carabao Cup, including the second strike against **Liverpool**to earn the Toon their first domestic title since 1955. A charge to the top five followed, wrapping up qualification for the Champions League, and the reward for his feats was a place in the Team of the Season.
“I'm proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season. First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.”
Isak is indebted to the work of the whole group, but right now, he could not be any more distant.
“I'm not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn't feel right to be there.”
The saga of the striker is well known. He missed the start of the preseason tour due to a "minor thigh injury", then he began training at the facilities of La Real. Barred from a barbecue for the rest of the squad, he has stood his ground, going on strike, but until now, he has withheld his account of the tale.
“I kept quiet for a long time while others spoke. That silence has allowed people to push their version of events, even though they know it doesn't reflect what was said and agreed behind closed doors.”
Details are scant, but the closing remarks on his relationship with the club might conclude this mess.
“The reality is promises were made. The club has known my position for a long time. To act as if the 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 and why change is in the best interests of everyone.”
Time to go?
The club have come out with a statement to express their disappointment at the social media post.
In truth, there is nothing that the striker said that is not already in the public domain. Reports have indicated his camp are frustrated with the failure of the board to follow through on improved terms to his contract that were promised by previous co-owner Amanda Staveley. But even if Isak outlined his desire to depart this summer, neither he nor the club have confirmed an agreement in cold writing.
“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.”
It is also worth remembering that the Toon have not sat idly through the transfer window: the absence of a replacement for the 25-year-old is not for the lack of trying. Hugo Ekitiké put pen to paper with **Liverpool**last month for a much cheaper deal of £69 million, while Bryan Mbeumo, Liam Delap, and **Joao Pedro**have all preferred the idea of moving to 'Big Six' clubs over a transfer to Tyneside.
“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes.”
With three years left on his deal, and Benjamin Sesko out of the picture after his switch from **RB Leipzig**to Man United, Newcastle have every right to at least maximise their earnings on an exit.
The Reds offered £110 million for the striker at the start of August, and Newcastle rejected that fee. Another official bid has not landed, and Isak's current club are confident that one is not forthcoming.
“As explained to Alexander and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions. We have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee the conditions being met.”
The question is whether Isak is worth the hassle. His eye for goal, aerial presence, and movement make a difference, and if the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa is anything to go by, then there are likely to be many more matches where his influence as a number nine could turn results in their favour.
The club's statement did not write off a return, but Eddie Howe has a tight-knit group, and he is not willing to let Isak walk back into the locker room without realising the damage he has done. The Swedish striker shall have a fight on his hands if he goes to **Liverpool**to unseat Ekitiké, but he has badly burned bridges in the North-East and might have to see the job through for his own good.
One thing is for sure: if the meeting between **Liverpool**and **Newcastle United**next week was not enough of a fiery fixture, **St. James' Park**will be willing to let rip from the get-go with this drama.