Isak issued a statement on Tuesday following his decision to forgo attendance at the Professional Footballers’ Association awards ceremony.
Alexander Isak has expressed that his exit from Newcastle is “in the best interests of everyone” after breaking his silence on the developments in the Premier League transfer window amid rumors of a transfer to Liverpool.
The Swedish striker, who finished as the second-highest goalscorer in last season’s Premier League, has yet to make an appearance for the Magpies during pre-season or in their first match of the new season, which ended in a 0-0 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Reports indicate that Liverpool has had a £110 million ($149 million) offer for the 25-year-old turned down, with Newcastle seeking a British transfer record fee of nearly £150 million.
Isak’s statement on Tuesday came after he chose not to attend the Professional Footballers’ Association awards event, despite his inclusion in the Premier League 2024/25 team of the year.
“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,” Isak shared on Instagram.
“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.”
According to reports, Isak was assured of a better contract, but Newcastle delayed due to demands for financial stability.
In response, Newcastle issued a statement late Tuesday, expressing disappointment over Isak’s remarks but leaving the door open for the 25-year-old to return to the squad.
“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” the club stated. “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: “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.”
Since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022, Isak has netted 62 goals in 109 matches, including the decisive goal against Liverpool in the League Cup final this year, which ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.
Liverpool has already invested approximately £300 million in revamping a team that clinched the Premier League title last season.
However, the club has also generated over £200 million through player sales and is actively searching for offensive options following the exits of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, as well as the unfortunate passing of Diogo Jota.
Any potential transfer is unlikely to be finalized before the two teams meet in their next Premier League fixture on Monday at St James’ Park.
