Alexander Isak is no stranger to a transfer saga, having left one of his own team-mates dumbfounded after news broke of his impending move to Newcastle United back in 2022
Alexander Isak
Alexander Isak has been at the centre of several transfer sagas in the past
(Image: Stu Forster, Getty Images)
A team-mate of Alexander Isak was once left stunned on live radio after being informed of the striker's impending exit. The Liverpool target, who is no stranger to transfer sagas, has broken his silence amid efforts to engineer a move away from Newcastle, accusing the club of breaking promises in an extensive social media statement.
Newcastle quickly responded, expressing disappointment at Isak's message but leaving the door open for the 25-year-old to return to the fold, despite his desire to join the Reds. Isak has already made several moves in his career, one of which left current Arsenal and former Newcastle midfielder Mikel Merino flabbergasted on live radio.
Merino, then of Real Sociedad, was being interviewed by Radio MARCA when he was informed of Isak's looming move to Newcastle in August 2022. Caught off guard by the news, Merino insisted he had no inside knowledge of his friend's transfer.
He said: "I can't tell you either because I can't. I mean, I'm not sure if that's true or not. Now, when I talk to him, I'll keep him informed. But hey, in any case, it's bad for us, he's a very important player."
The announcement turned out to be accurate, with Isak joining the Magpies for a club record fee of £63million. Isak became a hero on Tyneside, helping propel the club into the Champions League and securing Carabao Cup glory at the Reds' expense last season.
However, his standing among Newcastle fans has been damaged as he pushes for a move to Liverpool, who have seen a £110million offer turned down so far. The saga took a fresh turn on Tuesday as Isak delivered a public declaration after being included in the PFA Premier League team of the season.
Alexander Isak and Mikel Merino
Isak and Mikel Merino were team-mates at Real Sociedad
Isak, who didn't attend the ceremony, posted on Instagram: "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 act now 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."
Eddie Howe with Alexander Isak
It remains to be seen if Isak will play under Eddie Howe again
Newcastle dismissed Isak's assertions in a robust statement of their own, while keeping the door open to the player's return to the squad. The club said: "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 team-mates."