Alexander Isak and Newcastle United owners PIF entered something of a war of words on Tuesday night.
Isak released a bombshell statement on Instagram, suggesting his relationship with Newcastle United cannot continue due to “broken promises”.
It’s difficult to know exactly what he means of course but the general consensus is that Isak is likely referring to the fact he wasn’t given a new contract in 2024 despite a reported promise from former club director Amanda Staveley.
Isak wants to leave Newcastle and join Liverpool, although the Reds have not returned with a new bid since seeing their opening offer rejected earlier this summer.
Newcastle responded to Isak with a statement of their own on Tuesday night, forcing PIF to do something they rarely do at St James’ Park.
Alexander Isak looks on during Newcastle United's pre-season training camp in Austria.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
PIF broke tradition to respond to Alexander Isak
The Newcastle United owners have transformed the club since the takeover in October 2021 but have been criticised in recent months.
Indeed, decision-making at executive level appears to move at a glacial speed, with no new updates on a new training ground or stadium.
Still, Isak’s fiery statement forced PIF into action.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
According to The Athletic, the owners were involved in the wording of the club’s statement on Isak.
The fact it was issued so quickly after Isak’s own comments is said to underline just how strongly the club feel about the situation.
It’s added that PIF rarely react quickly, which sums up the strength of feeling around the Isak saga.
Whether Newcastle United will sell Alexander Isak after club statement
The wording of the statement was interesting.
In it, Newcastle talked about their “conditions for a sale” not being met this summer. That would suggest there is a scenario in which Newcastle would do business with Liverpool.
Still, Luke Edwards of The Daily Telegraph was quick to shoot that down. On social media platform X, he wrote: “If you are reading Newcastle’s statement tonight and still think there is a chance Alexander Isak will be joining Liverpool this summer, good luck to you. You’re going to need it. I’ve been trying to tell you all summer what the situation was. Some of you didn’t want to listen.”
Perhaps Newcastle would have sold if they could have signed two strikers and Liverpool bid £150million for Isak.
Neither of those things currently look like happening, however.