Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak broke his silence over his desire to leave the club this summer, posting on social media on Tuesday that promises had been broken and his trust in the organization had been lost.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,” Isak wrote on social media. “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.”
Isak skipped the Professional Footballers’ Association awards night amid ongoing speculation about his future at Newcastle despite being named in the team of the year.
Later on Tuesday, Newcastle responded on the club’s website to Isak’s claim of broken promises.
“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” the Newcastle 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.
The striker was the only player selected for the 2024-25 PFA team of the year not to attend the gala at the Opera House in Manchester on Tuesday.
Isak, who scored 27 goals in 42 games for the Magpies last season, has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool and has not returned to Newcastle since his summer break.
Liverpool had a bid reportedly worth £110 million plus add-ons rejected by Newcastle at the start of August, but have retained an interest in the player despite signing Hugo Ekitike — a forward who was also targeted by Newcastle.
Newcastle are said to value Isak at £150 million and would only consider moving the player if they have signed a replacement. As well as missing out on Ekitike, Newcastle were frustrated in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko, who chose to join Manchester United.
“We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views,” added Newcastle in their statement Tuesday. “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.”
Had he attended the PFA awards, the Sweden international would have had to take the stage with five current Liverpool players.
Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Milos Kerkez, Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah were all selected in the team of the year alongside Isak, Matz Sels, William Saliba, Gabriel, Declan Rice and Chris Wood.
Isak was also nominated for the PFA men’s player of the year award, which was won by Salah.
The 25-year-old missed Newcastle’s first game of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday. Their next game is against Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday.
After Saturday’s match at Villa, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said “other people are dealing with that issue.” Howe has continued to express his hope that Isak stays at the club.
Isak began his post on Tuesday by saying he was “proud” to be included in the PFA Premier League team of the year.
“First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way,” he wrote. “I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there.”
Information from PA was used in this story.
