Isak breaks silence on Newcastle saga: 'The relationship can't continue'
The Sweden striker was the subject of a bid from Liverpool during the offseason and has been training away from the Newcastle squad, having indicated he wanted to explore his options.
Isak was not involved in Newcastle's Premier League opener on Saturday, a goalless draw at Aston Villa.
On Tuesday, the 25-year-old Isak, who scored 27 goals in 42 games for the Magpies last season, was named in the PFA team of the season for the Premier League and used a social media post expressing his gratitude to address his situation at Newcastle for the first time.
'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.'
Isak finished his post by saying: 'That's where things are for me right now — and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.'
Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 from Spanish team Real Sociedad and has blossomed into one of the most sought-after strikers in the world.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said last week there was still a chance Isak could be reintegrated into the Newcastle squad, despite the difficult current situation.
Howe said the offseason has been challenging given the absence of his star striker but that the squad has 'really come together in the latter stages of preseason.'
With 23 goals in the Premier League last season, Isak was second in the scoring chart behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah.
Newcastle has been linked with a move for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who also sat out the opening round of games.
___
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Shearer accuses Isak of pouring 'flames on fire' of Newcastle row
Newcastle great Alan Shearer has accused wantaway striker Alexander Isak of pouring "flames on the fire" of his row with the Magpies by accusing the club of breaking promises. The Sweden international, who was the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League last season, has not featured for Newcastle in pre-season or their opening game of the campaign, a goalless draw away at Aston Villa last Saturday. Liverpool have reportedly had a £110 million bid ($149 million) rejected for the 25-year-old, with Newcastle holding out for a British transfer record fee of up to £150 million. Isak released a statement on Tuesday after deciding not to appear at the Professional Footballers' Association awards event despite being selected in the Premier League 2024/25 team of the year. "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time," said Isak, with the 25-year-old adding: "When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue." But former Newcastle captain and manager Shearer, speaking to Betfair, labelled the current situation an "absolute mess" as he accused Isak's agent, Vlado Lemic, of failing his client. "If I was him, I'd get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six-year deal and there's no get out clause," Shearer said. "I mean, it's ridiculous. And to take anyone's word in football... it's nonsensical to say that someone said, 'Oh, I'll be able to get out at the end of the season'. Really? I mean, come on." - 'Wrong way' - The ex-England striker added: "I've always said there are two sides to every story, but my feelings are exactly the same: he's gone about it in the wrong way. "I just think even releasing this statement last night has thrown flames onto the fire, which he didn't need to do... It doesn't benefit anyone." According to reports, Isak had been promised an improved contract only for Newcastle to hold off due to pressures of meeting financial sustainability rules. Newcastle issued a statement late Tuesday saying while they were saddened by Isak's comments, they could yet welcome him back into the squad. "No commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer," said the statement. "We want to keep our best players... Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates." Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, including the winner against Liverpool in the League Cup final earlier this year that ended Newcastle's 70-year wait to win a domestic trophy. Liverpool have already spent around £300 million overhauling a squad that romped to the Premier League title last season. But they have also recouped over £200 million in sales and are still in the market for attacking options after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and tragic death of Diogo Jota. Any deal is unlikely to be done before the two clubs face off in their next Premier League game on Monday at St James' Park. jdg/bsp/mw
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Ivan Zazzaroni Weighs In On Rumors Linking Marseille Midfielder With Inter Milan Move: 'A Profile They Like A Lot'
Ivan Zazzaroni has taken stock of recent rumors linking Marseille midfielder Adrien Rabiot with a move to Inter Milan. According to Zazzaroni via FCInterNews, the San Siro giants appreciate the Frenchman's qualities. Despite failing to sign Adrien Rabiot as a free agent last summer, Inter could land the 30-year-old now. Indeed, the former Juventus star is keen to leave Stade Velodrome after falling out with several teammates. Furthermore, his mother-agent, Veronique, has already started offering his services to other European clubs. Inter Milan Entertain Idea of Signing Adrien Rabiot Juventus' French midfielder #25 Adrien Rabiot reacts at the end of the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Roma at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, on December 30, 2023. (Photo by Isabella BONOTTO / AFP) (Photo by ISABELLA BONOTTO/AFP via Getty Images) Veronique has contacted Inter, among other teams, to gauge their interest and explore the possibility of a deal. In the meantime, the Serie A runners-up are on the lookout for a new midfielder. After failing to land Manu Kone, they've started exploring other options. Meanwhile, Zazzaroni believes the Nerazzurri may be enthusiastic about signing the French ace. 'Adrien must leave Marseille after a quarrel with some teammates,' he claimed. 'He's a profile Inter like a lot, though the club hasn't yet spoken with the player's mother. 'Careful, we're only at the level of suggestion here… PS. Rabiot's mother isn't answering anyone.' Rabiot possesses an undeniable quality, not to mention a wealth of experience in Serie A. However, he is already 30 years old, which doesn't comply with Oaktree's new transfer policy. Therefore, it's hard to predict what's going to happen.
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report – Bologna & Inter Milan Have NOT Yet Agreed Deal For Albania EURO 2024 Star
Talks between Inter Milan and Bologna over the transfer of Kristjan Asllani have reportedly reached an impasse. According to Sport Mediaset via FCInterNews, the parties cannot agree on a deal formula. Though it seemed like a done deal yesterday, the latest reports tell a different story. Indeed, Inter's effort to offload Kristjan Asllani is facing another setback. Negotiations with Bologna have hit a standstill, with time becoming a decisive factor. Inter Milan & Bologna Still Unable to Agree Kristjan Asllani Deal TURIN, ITALY – MAY 11: Kristjan Asllani of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Torino and FC Internazionale at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on May 11, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by) Despite accepting Bologna's €9 million bid, the Nerazzurri are not any closer to selling their outcast. Indeed, Vincenzo Italiano's men are reportedly eager to land Asllani on loan with a mandatory buyout option. On the other hand, Inter are preferring an immediate sale, so they can use the money to sign a new midfielder. Wantaway Marseille star Adrien Rabiot has emerged as a potential solution, but he comes with a hefty €18 million price tag. Furthermore, Bologna have yet to convince Asllani to sign a contract at Renato Dall'Ara.
