Wantaway Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has broken his silence on his efforts to leave St James’ Park, saying ‘promises have been broken’ and ‘trust has been lost’.
The 25-year-old Sweden international has been a smash hit on Tyneside since moving from Sociedad for £63million in August 2022.
Isak has netted 54 goals in 78 league appearances for the Magpies – and helped them to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League table last season.
New challenge
But he broke the hearts of Newcastle fans this summer when he expressed his desire to take on a new challenge – with newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool having courted him this summer, and having had a £110 million bid for his services rejected by the North-East club.
Arne Slot’s Reds continue to be linked with an improved bid for Isak before the summer transfer window slams shut on Monday, September 1.
But having seen new signing Hugo Etikite hit the ground running on his Anfield debut, where he gathered a goal and an assist in a 4-2 opening-night win over Bournemouth, the need for Isak is arguably not as urgent as it was before the French striker’s arrival on Merseyside.
That has not stopped Isak from trying to push a Newcastle exit closer, and he took to social media on Tuesday to give his version of events.
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‘Others have spoken’
In a statement reported on Sky Sports, he said: “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.”
Missed opportunities
Newcastle have been actively seeking a new striker in the 2025 summer window – but missed on the signatures of Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, who opted to join Manchester United.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with Brentford forward Yoane Wissa all summer and are likely to lodge an improved bid having seen an offer of £25million rejected by the Bees.
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Keen to keep best players
But Newcastle’s hierarchy released a statement of their own following Isak’s comments, with the club saying: “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.”
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