NEWCASTLE United hit back at Alexander Isak with a blistering statement of their own, dismissing the striker’s claims that he was told he’d be allowed to leave this summer and, crucially, saying they don’t expect the “conditions of a sale” to be met in the final stages of the window.
Isak broke his silence on Tuesday night when he posted a statement on Instagram, claiming promises were made and broken by the club and saying “the relationship can’t continue”.
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However, Newcastle hit back just a couple of hours later, saying in a statement: “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.”
The statement continued with this crucial passage: “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.
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“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.”
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Again, Newcastle couldn’t have made their stance much clearer.
And unless Liverpool increase their offer to £150m and Newcastle manage to sign two strikers, Isak will be going nowhere.
In Isak’s statement on Tuesday, the 25-year-old wantaway striker claimed “change is in the best interests of everyone”.
He said: “I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25.
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“First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. 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.
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“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.”