Image Credits: Imago Images
The Alexander Isak transfer saga hit new heights this week as the Newcastle United striker took matters into his own hands.
He publicly called out his club for what he described as “broken promises” and insisting their relationship can no longer go on.
The real drama kicked off on Tuesday night with a telling no-show – Isak opted to miss the Professional Footballers’ Association awards in Manchester, even though he’d just been named in the Premier League Team of the Year.
Rather than joining in the celebrations, the 25-year-old Swede posted a striking message on Instagram, directly airing his frustrations with Newcastle and sending shockwaves through both sets of supporters.
And now Eddie Howe has confirmed that he did have transfer talks with Isak towards the end of last season:
“Me and Alex had conversations towards the end of the season,” he said in his pre-game press conference ahead of Liverpool
“Yes, I am not going to sit here and deny that. Yes, we had discussions about his future.”
“It is disappointing I am having to mention this at length and taking us away from the football. The players have done well to blank it all out.”
“It is there in the background, it is regrettable that we are in this situation.”
Newcastle’s transfer struggles have left them increasingly vulnerable to losing Isak without adequate replacement options.
The Geordie club’s £35 million bid for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa was rejected on Wednesday, with the Bees demanding closer to £40 million for the DR Congo international who scored 19 Premier League goals last season.
Wissa has made his desire to move to St James’ Park clear, even missing Brentford’s opening fixture against Nottingham Forest, but the London club are reluctant to sell without securing their own replacement first.
Newcastle are also exploring a move for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.
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