Striker says relationship with club is “lost” and “can’t continue”
Alexander Isak has broken his silence regarding the stand-off between him and Newcastle United, accusing the club’s hierarchy of breaking promises and losing his trust in a statement shared on social media on Tuesday evening.
The 25-year-old Swede, who enjoyed a prolific campaign last season with 27 goals in 42 appearances, confirmed longstanding speculation over his future by stating that his relationship with the club has deteriorated beyond repair.
“Promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time,” Isak wrote. “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.”
Isak’s comments mark the first time the forward has publicly addressed his situation amid weeks of speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool.
The Premier League champions saw a £110m rejected by Newcastle earlier this month, but are understood to still be monitoring the situation.
Tensions between player and club reportedly began earlier this year, when Newcastle allegedly failed to follow through on an internal agreement to re-negotiate Isak’s contract following interest from top clubs across Europe.
Though he remains under contract until 2028, Isak is believed to have been expecting a pay rise, a commitment he claims the club later backed away from.
He then missed the club’s pre-season tour of Asia, ostensibly due to a thigh injury, which scans failed to detect. The Sweden international has continued to distance himself since, missing a club barbecue and Newcastle’s season opener against Aston Villa last Saturday.
He also skipped Tuesday night’s PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester, despite being named in the Premier League Team of the Year and receiving a nomination for the Men’s Player of the Year award, which was ultimately won by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Regarding the award, Isak said: “I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
“But with everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there tonight.”
His absence was particularly notable as he was the only player named in the Team of the Year not to attend the event at the Opera House.
Newcastle remain reluctant to sell one of their most prized assets. The club reportedly value the former Real Sociedad striker at around £150m and would only consider a sale if a suitable replacement is secured before the window closes.
However, the club’s search for alternatives has so far proved fruitless. Newcastle missed out on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who opted to join Manchester United, and were also beaten to the signing of Hugo Ekitike, who completed a move to Liverpool last month.
