Image Credits: Imago Images
The Alexander Isak transfer saga escalated to a new level after the Newcastle United striker launched an unprecedented statement against his own club, accusing them of “broken promises” and declaring their relationship “cannot continue”.
The explosive drama unfolded on Tuesday evening when Isak chose to skip the Professional Footballers’ Association awards ceremony in Manchester, despite being named in the Premier League Team of the Year.
Instead of celebrating the accolade, the 25-year-old Swedish international took to Instagram to deliver a scathing statement.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time,” Isak wrote in his damning social media post.
“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.
And now the poor Magpies manager has been left with the fallout.
Eddie Howe has confessed that the Alexander Isak saga is “coming to an end” and has confirmed that the Swede will play no part against Liverpool on Monday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe said (as quoted by the Chronicle):
“He won’t be part of the squad this weekend.”
“The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United. It will do that in every situation”
“It looks like it is coming to an end, or it will come to an end pretty quickly.”
On the statement in particular, the Magpies manager labelled it as a “sad moment”:
“It was a sad moment. My preference is these things do not happen publicly. They are better dealt with behind closed doors. But needs must. The club has spoken, & justifiably so in that moment.”
“He’s contracted to us. He’s our player. My wish is that he would be playing on Monday. He won’t be, & that’s regrettable. But 100 per cent I want him back in a Newcastle shirt”
Howe was also asked if there is a way back for Isak, particularly regarding repairing his relationship with the fans.
The English manager does feel that the Swede can repair the fractured bond with the fanbase:
“Yes, I believe they can. The fans will always react to the way a player plays. There is always two sides to a story,” he said.
“My job is to support him and care for him, and we will see where we are in a week’s time.”
“I hope I can work with him again and get him back to his best. I’m disappointed that these things are made public (through statements).”
“They should be face-to-face. It’s great for you guys but it doesn’t reflect well on us or Alex. It was a sad moment for me trying to deal with it.”
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