Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United statement was far too vague according to Rio Ferdinand.
The footballing world was rocked on Tuesday night when Alexander Isak released a statement. It was the first time he had commented on his situation amid a summer of uncertainty and speculation.
Isak claimed promises were broken, making it clear that he wants to leave Newcastle United. He wants to go to Liverpool, who are yet to make a second offer.
In response, Newcastle put out a statement of their own. They stated that the 25-year-old was never told he could leave this summer, and that he will be reintegrated into the squad when he feels ready.
Time is running out for Isak to get the move he wants, having played every trick in the book to force the club’s hand.
Alexander Isak claps the Newcastle United fans after drawing with Bournemouth.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Alexander Isak told to be more honest with Newcastle United fans
According to Rio Ferdinand, Isak now needs to be even more open and honest about what went on behind the scenes at Newcastle United.
Ferdinand spoke about the Isak situation on his YouTube channel, imploring the striker to explain ‘exactly what happened’ or risk ‘hurting his own image’ even further.
“If I was in the position that Isak is in now, I would be coming out and saying exactly what happened,” he said.
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“I saw his statement. It’s still quite a vague statement. It gets nobody else on side. It creates no sympathy for himself. He’s not given enough detail.
“He should be saying exactly what happened. This person promised me I could leave the club if this number was met. It’s been met. I should be able to leave the club. He needs to tell the fans exactly that.
“If that price is still quite realistic in today’s market then I think people will understand how disgruntled he is. If it’s an unrealistic asking price and that they’ve moved the goalposts, he might get a bit of sympathy.
“If not, he is going to be continually hurting his own image.”
Newcastle United have always wanted to keep Alexander Isak
There has been no indication that Isak was told he could leave Newcastle United for a certain fee this summer.
Isak told Newcastle he wanted to leave, but there has been nothing to suggest the club agreed to give him what he wants. In fact, Newcastle say the contrary in their statement.
The belief is that the broken promise Isak alludes to is in reference to the improved contract that was proposed to him in 2024. That was when Amanda Staveley was at St James’ Park, but the situation changed when Paul Mitchell arrived.
In terms of his value, Newcastle have always wanted £150million for Isak.
When it comes to that figure being met, Liverpool offered £110million for Isak. That is clearly well below the Magpies’ valuation.
The word all summer has been that Newcastle want to keep Isak. That has always been PIF’s intention, and their stance does not appear to be changing despite the pressure they are being put under.