Broken promises: Newcastle hit back after Isak breaks silence with bombshell post

India Today

2 days ago

Alexander Isak's future at Newcastle United has plunged into uncertainty following a dramatic public statement from the Sweden international, who has accused the club of breaking promises and betraying his trust. The 25-year-old striker, widely regarded as one of the Premier League's most gifted forwards, issued a strongly worded Instagram post on Tuesday evening.In it, he explained his absence from the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) awards gala—where he had been named in the Team of the Season—and made clear his desire to leave the club. "The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time," Isak wrote. "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."advertisement
Isak's message sent shockwaves through St James' Park and intensified speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool, who had a 110 million bid for the forward rejected last month. It is understood that Isak believed he had a gentleman's agreement with club officials allowing him to leave if a top club made a suitable offer.Newcastle, however, have firmly denied making such a commitment. In a statement issued later that evening, the club said:"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." THE TRANSFER DRAMA: LIVERPOOL'S 110M BID REJECTEDLiverpool are understood to be Isak's preferred destination. The Merseyside club made a 110 million offer earlier in the summer, which Newcastle swiftly rejected. The Magpies cited their desire to retain their top talent and the difficulty of sourcing a replacement so close to the start of the new season.It has now been 19 days since that initial bid, with no improved offer yet submitted. While Newcastle are holding firm publicly, Isak's camp continue to insist that a prior understanding existed allowing him to leave if a "big club" came calling.The dispute marks a sour turn in what had been a fruitful partnership. Since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has become a talismanic figure under Eddie Howe, scoring 19 league goals last season.However, tensions have reportedly been building behind the scenes. Isak is said to have grown frustrated after a promised contract extension and pay rise failed to materialise last summer. His current deal, worth a reported 140,000 a week, runs until 2028.PRE-SEASON INJURYThe situation deteriorated further this pre-season. Isak withdrew from the club's tour of Asia, citing a thigh injury—one source claims it was not detectable in medical scans. advertisementRather than remaining with the squad, Isak trained alone at his former club, Real Sociedad, without notifying manager Eddie Howe or the Newcastle board. His unapproved absence caused considerable internal frustration, with the club reportedly preparing to fine him the maximum two weeks' wages for missing their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.Since returning, Isak has been training alone at the club's facilities, excluded from full first-team activities as the standoff continues to escalate.Newcastle are also reportedly considering disciplinary action after Isak missed the opening match of the season against Aston Villa, with a two-week fine under consideration.BROKEN PROMISES?According to sources close to Isak, the root of his discontent dates back to last summer. He was reportedly promised a contract extension with a substantial pay rise-an agreement that was later delayed or quietly shelved. At the time, Isak still had four years remaining on his existing 140,000-a-week deal. His representatives also claim that Isak's desire to leave this summer was communicated to the club well in advance, particularly if a club of Liverpool's stature showed interest.However, from Newcastle's perspective, no formal agreement was ever made. With Isak under contract until 2028, the club maintains that he is expected to honour the deal unless their considerable valuation is met.advertisementCOULD ARTICLE 17 BE ISAK'S ESCAPE ROUTE?Adding another layer to the saga is the possibility that Isak will invoke FIFA's Article 17 next summer.WHAT IS ARTICLE 17?Article 17 of FIFA's transfer regulations allows a player to unilaterally terminate their contract after a "protected period" of three years (for players under 28), provided fair compensation is paid to the club.Originally created under pressure from the European Commission, the rule was intended to give footballers similar freedoms to other professionals. Though it has rarely been used due to legal complexities, recent reforms have made the clause more player-friendly.ISAK'S POSITIONNow entering his third season at Newcastle, Isak may become eligible to trigger Article 17 next summer. Legal experts suggest this could allow him to leave for compensation far below the 110 million Liverpool bid-potentially even half that amount.Importantly, new rules place the burden of proof on the selling club, not the player or the buying club. This could deter Newcastle from pursuing legal action unless they have clear evidence of wrongdoing.While the use of Article 17 remains risky, it could serve as a powerful negotiating tool for Isak's camp-and a compelling reason for Newcastle to sell now rather than lose their star forward for a reduced fee in 2026.advertisementWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?The Premier League transfer window closes on 1 September. Between now and then, Newcastle face a major dilemma:Sell now, cash in near their valuation, and end the saga early.Stand firm, knowing Isak may become disruptive and disengaged.Call his bluff, but risk a legal challenge under Article 17 next year.Meanwhile, Liverpool are monitoring the situation. If they return with an improved offer-potentially in the region of 120-130 million-Newcastle may be forced to reconsider.For now, Newcastle remain adamant that Isak will not be sold. But with the player clearly pushing for an exit, and legal options looming, the club may be fighting a battle they can't afford to lose.One thing is certain: this is shaping up to be one of the most explosive and high-profile transfer stand-offs in Premier League history.- Ends