Alexander Isak and Newcastle United entered into a war of words this week.
While it has been clear that Isak wants to leave Newcastle United for what feels like an age now, the situation came to something of a head on Tuesday night.
Indeed, Newcastle issued a quick-fire response to Isak after he broke his silence on social media.
The Sweden striker said he simply could not continue playing for the club due to broken promises and a lack of trust.
Still, a Newcastle employee he remains. Describing him as a player right now feels a stretch, given the current situation.
It has been a hugely damaging saga for all involved, and pundit Paul Merson believes Manchester United’s capture of Benjamin Sesko was the breaking point.
Alexander Isak claps the Newcastle United fans after drawing with Bournemouth.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Paul Merson says missing out on Benjamin Sesko caused Alexander Isak’s antics
Newcastle tried to sign Sesko but eventually lost out to the Red Devils.
Sesko could have replaced Isak at Newcastle but, like with Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Hugo Ekitike, he decided to go elsewhere.
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With the club now struggling to sign a replacement, it seems increasingly unlikely that they will allow Isak the chance to move to Anfield.
"I really feel sorry for that group of fans and for Eddie Howe."
Michael Dawson and Paul Merson share their views on the Alexander Isak situation at Newcastle United pic.twitter.com/0vV4P2cseW
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 23, 2025
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Merson believes watching Sesko snub Newcastle was too much for Isak. He thinks that Isak likely felt he needed to agitate even harder for a move away once another potential replacement came and went.
“I think the straw that broke the camel’s back is when Sesko went to Manchester United,” he said on Sky Sports.
“I think then, that’s when he lost the plot. I think that was the one, he [Sesko] went there [Manchester United] and now it’s like ‘I’ve got to go into overdrive’.”
Alexander Isak forced Newcastle United into a U-turn
Newcastle were willing to be pragmatic about Isak’s situation but Tuesday night’s statement may have changed things.
Indeed, Miguel Delaney of The Independent has revealed that Isak’s comments on social media altered the thinking. Rather than focus on the business aspect of the deal, Isak made things emotional.
As such, Liverpool are now seen as highly unlikely to land their man.
Isak may indeed have lost the plot at Newcastle. Soon, however, he may need to find it again.