The Newcastle United dressing room is reportedly 'split' following Alexander Isak's explosive statement regarding his future.
The Swedish forward has been eager to exit the club throughout the summer and is pushing for a move to Liverpool. Newcastle have stood firm on his future, rejecting a $148 million bid, and making clear they will only consider selling if their conditions are met.
Isak has escalated his efforts to leave St. James' Park in recent days, criticising alleged 'broken promises' in a harsh statement he shared on social media. Predictably, this has not gone down well with many in the Newcastle dressing room.
As per the Daily Mail, while team spirit remains high among the players, there's a clear divide when it comes to their star forward. There are those who back Isak's position, while many others do not.
Isak, 25, is currently not training with his team-mates after opting to stay behind from the club's pre-season tour of Asia. Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes responded cryptically to Isak's statement, uploading a picture of himself donning a Newcastle shirt.
The Brazilian had previously been at the centre of his own transfer rumours but pledged his future to the club by signing a new five-year contract earlier this year. Meanwhile, forward Anthony Gordon has also weighed in on the situation.
Following Newcastle's opening day draw with Aston Villa, the England international said: "It has been difficult because we're such a tight-knit group. We've never really had any problems publicly and that being the first thing that has happened has tested us.
Bruno Guimaraes shaking hands with Alexander Isak
Bruno Guimaraes had a telling response to Isak's statement (Image: Getty Images)
"But you see today, we still have that spirit and that togetherness. We work on it every day. That is never going to go regardless of individuals. We're a top group, our togetherness is top and it always will be."
When asked if the saga has brought them together, he added: "It can do [bring the group closer together] but we're still together anyway. Things like this can sort of test you and make you better in the end – and I think that is going to be the case."
Isak, who still has three years left on his contract at St James' Park, seemed to hint that he might not play for the club again in his statement. He wrote: "I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken.
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe reacts after the pre-season friendly match between Newcastle United and Atletico Madrid at St James' Park on August 09, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Eddie Howe has previously said he would consider re-integrating Alexander Isak back into the club (Image: 2025 Getty Images)
"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."
Following the bombshell revelation on Tuesday evening, Newcastle have reinforced their determination to retain the player, who played a crucial role in ending the club's lengthy trophy barren spell. In a statement released in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Newcastle said: "We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening.
Newcastle United players Jacob Murphy, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes hugging Alexander Isak
The dressing room have responded to Alexander Isak's explosive statement (Image: Getty Images)
"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 re-join his team-mates."