Alexander Isak finally breaks silence on Liverpool transfer saga: "Promises have been broken"
On Tuesday he was absent from the PFA Awards, where he was included in the Team of the Year. And speaking shortly after his inclusion he delivered a blunt statement surrounding the furious impasse.
'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,' he wrote in a statement posted to social media. 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 everything going on, it didn't feel right to be 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.'
Isak has been training away from Newcastle's first team after he missed their pre-season tour of Asia, with Liverpool seeing an initial bid of £110million rejected. The striker did not play in Newcastle's Premier League opener, a 0-0 draw with Aston Villa, and the Magpies have been struggling to find a potential replacement.
Newcastle missed out on Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, who joined Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United respectively, and winger Anthony Gordon started up front against Villa after Callum Wilson was allowed to leave on a free transfer.
"It seems like the striker market gets tighter every year," manager Eddie Howe admitted when asked about Newcastle's struggles in the transfer market. "Maybe that's because we have continued to grow as a team.
"There's not many players of that calibre to make us better and when they're potentially available the price seems to go up, and then you are dealt other challenges like PSR [profit and sustainability regulations], how much you spend in the window, the long-term effects if you do the transfer.
"It is not as clear as going out and getting any player. They have got to fit the team, make us better and be affordable. That's not a large group of players."
Please check back regularly for updates on this developing story.
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But the club responded late on Tuesday night to say they were disappointed at the Sweden international's message, while leaving the door open for the 25-year-old to return to the fold. Newcastle United statement: Alexander Isak — Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 19, 2025 A club statement read: '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.' Isak, who has been the subject of a rejected bid from Liverpool, was not involved in Newcastle's Premier League opener on Saturday as they failed to score in a goalless draw at Aston Villa, having been training alone after refusing to play in some pre-season matches. On Tuesday he was named in the PFA Premier League team of the season and used a post on Instagram expressing his gratitude to address his situation. 'I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,' Isak wrote. '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 act now 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.' Alexander Isak, right, has accused Newcastle of breaking promises (John Walton/PA) Liverpool had a bid reportedly worth £110million plus add-ons rejected by Newcastle at the start of August but have retained an interest in the player despite signing Hugo Ekitike – a forward who was also targeted by Newcastle. Newcastle are said to value Isak at £150million, and would only consider a sale if they have signed a replacement. Isak, who returned to training at Newcastle on August 4, has three years remaining on his contract at St James' Park, and it was understood he would be fined if he missed competitive matches as a result of his desire to leave. After Saturday's match at Villa, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said 'other people are dealing with that issue'. Howe has continued to express his hope that Isak stays at the club.
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