Newcastle United said they are ‘disappointed’ by Alexander Isak’s bombshell social media post after the Liverpool target spoke publicly about his desire to leave the club.
The Swedish striker, who scored 23 Premier League goals last season, has made clear his desire to leave St James’ Park this summer to join the defending champions.
Isak opted out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour and missed their league opener as he continues to train separately from the rest of Eddie Howe’s first-team squad.
But the 25-year-old has taken it a step further as he looks to force a move this summer, releasing a remarkable public statement in which he accused Newcastle of ‘breaking promises’ made to him.
Posting on Instagram after he was named in the PFA Premier League team of the Year, Isak said: ‘I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25.
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‘First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
‘I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With be everything going on, it didn’t feel right to there.
‘I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
‘The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
‘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.’
However, responding swiftly with a statement of their own on Tuesday evening, Newcastle strongly refuted Isak’s suggestion that he had been given their blessing to leave this summer.
‘We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,’ the statement read.
‘We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.’
Newcastle have stuck by their £150million valuation of Isak throughout this summer, and the Magpies once insisted that Isak will be able to reintegrate back into the squad, providing a suitable offer is not received from Liverpool.
Newcastle’s full response to Alexander Isak’s post
We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening. We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.
We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired. We do not foresee those conditions being met.
This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.
‘This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel,’ they added. ‘Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.’
Reports suggest that Liverpool are expected to return with a new and improved offer in the coming days after their initial £110m bid was swiftly rejected by the Magpies.
However, it remains unclear as to whether the Reds will be willing to match the £150m that Newcastle require to sanction Isak’s exit.
Arne Slot’s side have already embarked on an impressive summer of recruitment, which has already seen them break the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz.
Liverpool and Newcastle are set to lock horns in the league on Monday at St James’ Park.
Speaking after Newcastle’s draw with Aston Villa on Saturday, Howe said: ‘Nothing has changed. The door is well and truly open. He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. We need that clarity. You don’t need any kind of distraction.
‘I am not in control of that. There is one person who can control that. Let’s wait and see. I have made my stance clear. I am concentrating on the team.’
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