‘The relationship can't continue': Alexander Isak opens up on Newcastle standoff
Isak has been endeavouring to force a move to Liverpool all summer but, so far, at least Newcastle have proved resistant, rejecting one £110m bid as they struggle to find replacements.
The striker was due to have attended the PFA footballers' footballer of the year awards in Manchester on Tuesday having been nominated for the top prize but sent his apologies via his explosive social media post.
Shortly after Liverpool's Mohamed Salah won the main award for a third time, Isak's words sent shockwaves through the corridors of power at St James' Park. 'When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can't continue,' he posted after expressing pride at being voted on to the PFA Premier League team of the 2024-25 season.
Isak then thanked his teammates and 'everyone at Newcastle' for supporting him along the way before increasing the pressure on the club's Saudi Arabian owners to sanction his longed-for sale to Anfield.
'I'm not at the ceremony tonight,' he posted. '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 was understood to be furious when what he believed to be a promised pay rise was postponed last summer. At the time he had four years remaining on his £140,000 a week contract. His camp claim that last spring he made it clear to Newcastle's manager and the club that he wanted to leave this summer but Howe and the board interpret things very differently.
Sign up to Football Daily
Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football
after newsletter promotion
Earlier this summer Isak skipped the club's pre-season tour of Singapore and South Korea citing a thigh injury, undetectable on scans. He then spent a week training alone at his former club Real Sociedad, an excursion Howe only learned about through the media.
More recently he has been training alone at Newcastle after other players have departed and was excluded from a club social barbecue after refusing Howe's overtures to reintegrate.
Newcastle's manager has said that Isak is 'in control' of the situation. The board were preparing to fine the striker, who is understood to have rejected offers of a much-enhanced contract extension, the maximum permissible two weeks' wages after he missed last Saturday's opening game of the season, a goalless draw at Aston Villa.
Newcastle have been approached for comment.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
24 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Newcastle's Alexander Isak: When trust is lost, the relationship can't continue
The Sweden striker, 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 the 25-year-old, who scored 27 goals in 42 games for the Magpies last season, was named in the PFA Premier League team of the season and used a post on Instagram expressing his gratitude to address his situation, accusing the club of breaking promises. '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.' Isak's situation has turned into a saga which has rumbled throughout this transfer window. As speculation mounted over a possible transfer in July, Isak missed the club's pre-season tour of Asia with the club citing a thigh injury, and then trained alone at his former club Real Sociedad. 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. As well as missing out on Ekitike, Newcastle were frustrated in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko who chose to join Manchester United. 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. Isak began his post on Tuesday by saying he was 'proud' to be included in the PFA Premier League team of the year. 'First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way,' he wrote. 'I'm not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn't feel right to be there.' Newcastle United statement: Alexander Isak — Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 19, 2025 In a statement issued late on Tuesday, Newcastle said they were 'disappointed' by Isak's post and added: '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 team-mates.'
The Herald Scotland
25 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Alexander Isak saga: Newcastle respond to wantaway striker's social media post
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.
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
RB Leipzig step up Nkunku interest to provide Chelsea boost for potential signings
RB Leipzig have stepped up attempts to sign Christopher Nkunku on a permanent deal, potentially paving the way for Chelsea to accelerate their search for attacking reinforcements. Chelsea need sales before pressing ahead with moves for Leipzig's Xavi Simons and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho but their hopes of shifting Nkunku appeared to have hit a dead end when Bayern Munich's move for the forward stalled. Bayern had an offer for the Frenchman – a loan with an option to buy – rejected over the weekend and have so far shown little inclination of wanting to pay enough to buy him. Chelsea's preference is a permanent sale rather than a loan for Nkunku as he is not part of their long-term plans. Inter are also interested in Nkunku, whose contract runs until 2029, but a return to Leipzig two years after leaving them for Chelsea for £52m is a possibility. The 27-year-old forward is open to a reunion with his former club, although other options are on the table. A deal with Leipzig is not close but there is confidence that they will be able to come to an agreement with Chelsea on a fee for the France international, who has struggled for form and fitness during his time in west London. The clubs have already held talks over Chelsea adding Simons to their attacking ranks. Chelsea are yet to lodge a bid for the Netherlands international, who wants to move to Stamford Bridge, and hope to move out fringe players before making further additions. Aston Villa are interested in Nicolas Jackson but would need a significant drop in his £80m asking price if they are to pursue a deal for the striker. Jackson wants a new challenge after seeing Chelsea sign Liam Delap and João Pedro. Chelsea have also strengthened on the flanks, signing Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens, but they want more depth on the left. They are pushing to sign Garnacho, who is viewed as competition for Gittens, but want United to drop their asking price of £50m for the Argentina winger. Garnacho, who has reportedly turned down a switch to Bayern, has fallen from favour at United and Chelsea are unlikely to want to pay over £40m. Other players expected to leave Chelsea are Tyrique George, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Renato Veiga; the latter of whom is a target for Villarreal. Fulham are interested in Raheem Sterling. Meanwhile, West Ham have had a bid rejected for Chelsea's Andrey Santos. The Hammers are interested in the Brazilian but have been knocked back and have now made an improved offer for the Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
