The tension between Newcastle United and star striker Alexander Isak has escalated dramatically after the Sweden international released a powerful social media statement on Tuesday, declaring his desire to leave the club and accusing the hierarchy of breaking promises.
Hours later, Newcastle issued an official statement, denying any agreement that the 25-year-old could depart this summer and insisting he remains a key part of the squad.
Isak: “The relationship can’t continue”
In his post, Isak claimed that the club had failed to honor commitments made to him behind closed doors.
“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,” Isak wrote.
“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.”
The striker also skipped the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards on Tuesday night, despite being named in the 2024-25 PFA Team of the Year. He was the only selected player not to attend the Manchester ceremony — a decision that fueled speculation about his future.
Isak, who has been strongly linked with a £110 million move to Liverpool, has not returned to Newcastle since his summer break.
Newcastle United’s Official Response
In response to Isak’s statement, Newcastle United issued their own late-night communication, Stating their determination to keep him and rejecting any suggestion that he had been promised an exit.
“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” the club statement read.
“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.”
“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.”
For the record, Newcastle United defeated Liverpool, last season, to win the Carabao Cup, ending their 70 trophy drought.
What Happens Next?
The standoff comes just two weeks before the transfer window closes. Newcastle previously rejected a £110m offer from Liverpool, insisting the forward (under contract until 2028) was not for sale.
The dispute now leaves Isak with limited options: either force through a move before the deadline, attempt to invoke FIFA’s Article 17 regulations next year to unilaterally terminate his deal, or reintegrate into Eddie Howe’s squad after a public and damaging fallout.
Newcastle face Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday, in what could be a highly charged clash given the uncertainty surrounding the future of their star striker.
