'Forest do not do things the easy way - why change now?'
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Rhyl Journal
20 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
21 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 National
an hour ago
- The National
Club Brugge manager in shock 'spaces' admission about Rangers defence
The Belgian club found themselves 3-0 up after 20 minutes in the first leg of their Champions League play-off double header thanks to some lamentable defending by their Scottish rivals. Russell Martin has been heavily criticised by pundits and supporters for the porousness of his team's rearguard in their competitive matches this season and the manager had his goalkeeper Jack Butland to thanks for preventing a mauling last night. Read more: Hayen, whose side reached the knockout rounds of Europe's premier club competition last season, admitted he and his coaching staff had identified weaknesses they could exploit in the build-up to the encounter in Govan. However, Hayen stressed, after watching Danilo pull a goal back for Rangers in the second half, the tie was far from over and insisted that James Tavernier and his team mates could still come back and progress to the league phase of the competition. (Image: PA Wire) "We knew where the spaces were,' he said. 'We played here in the friendly game (during pre-season), and we showed also in that first half that if our players play at their best level, that they can hurt a lot of teams. Read more: "We said before the game, 'Okay, the atmosphere is incredible, but you have to embrace the atmosphere and not fight against it'. This is what they did in the first seven minutes perfectly and this is the way how you can get the silence into a stadium. "But as long as there is still 90 minutes to play, everything is possible. We don't forget that we are 2-0 down against Salzburg (Club Brugge came from behind to prevail also. So we have to be smart, we have to be intelligent, play our best football, like in the first half."
