Newcastle United star Alexander Isak has finally spoken amid the transfer saga that has dominated this summer.
Alexander Isak has finally spoken out for the first time since his transfer saga – involving Liverpool and Newcastle United – began. The Sweden striker has said ‘change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself’ as he continues to push for a move.
On Tuesday night Isak was voted by fellow players into the Professional Footballers Association’s Premier League Team of the Year. As was reportedly expected given everything that has unfolded in recent weeks, he was not in attendance at the awards gala held at the Manchester Opera House.
But minutes after the honour was announced, the player strongly admired by Liverpool took to Instagram and pulled no punches towards Newcastle in a statement directly addressing the ongoing transfer situation.
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Isak wrote: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Maintaining their stance that Isak is not for sale, Newcastle rejected a £110m offer from Liverpool at the beginning of August. As the ECHO reported, Anfield chiefs did not plan to follow up with another attempt and this has been the case.
The Magpies’ stance would have to change in order for the Reds to come back to the table given their emphatic response to the club’s initial offer. Isak has now played his cards with this statement so it remains to be seen how his club responds.
Throughout the situation Isak has not played for Newcastle in pre-season or in their Premier League against Aston Villa last weekend. His absence is set to continue when Liverpool travel to St. James’ Park next Monday, August 25.
Speaking at Villa Park on Saturday, before Isak’s statement tonight, his manager Eddie Howe had expressed hope that they rekindle and the striker rejoin his squad in the near future.
“The door is well and truly open,” said Howe. “He has to decide what he wants to do. We would like a resolution. The ownership, the players, we need that clarity.
“I’m not in control of that, it’s one person really that can control that.”
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