Alexander Isak has declared that his relationship with Newcastle United “can’t continue” as he accused the club of breaking promises over his future, insisting that “change is in the best interests of everyone.”
The 25-year-old striker, who has been training away from the first team, issued a strongly worded statement on Instagram on Tuesday night during the PFA awards ceremony, which he skipped despite being nominated for Player of the Year.
“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.”
Isak added a note of appreciation for his teammates and supporters: “First and foremost, I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way. 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. I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there.”
Newcastle’s Position
Newcastle have consistently insisted that Isak is not for sale, valuing him at £150m, and would only consider a deal if they were able to secure a top-class replacement.
Their striker search has so far been fruitless, with failed attempts to land Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, while alternatives such as Liam Delap and Joao Pedro slipped through earlier in the window.
At present, Eddie Howe’s squad has just one recognised senior striker in 22-year-old William Osula, who is yet to start a Premier League game for the club.
Liverpool remain the leading suitors and had a £110m plus add-ons bid rejected earlier this month, but time is running out with less than two weeks left in the summer window.
Timeline of the Isak Saga
July 15: Liverpool make informal approach; told Isak is not for sale.
July 19: Eddie Howe reveals he sent Isak home from pre-season friendly due to speculation.
July 23: Liverpool sign Hugo Ekitike after Newcastle miss out.
July 24: Isak excluded from Asia tour with “minor thigh injury”; later revealed he wants to explore options.
July 31: Trains individually at Real Sociedad facilities.
August 1: Newcastle reject Liverpool’s £110m bid.
August 2–4: Newcastle pursue Sesko; Isak returns but trains separately.
August 9: Manchester United beat Newcastle to Sesko.
August 16: Left out of season opener against Aston Villa, though Howe insists “the door is open.”
August 19: Skips PFA awards, issues statement accusing club of broken promises.
Isak Saga Deepens as Newcastle Respond to Striker’s Explosive Statement
Newcastle United have responded to Alexander Isak’s decision to go public with his frustrations, after the Swedish striker accused the club of “broken promises” and insisted his relationship with the Magpies “can’t continue.”
Hours later, Newcastle issued a firm statement on their website, expressing disappointment at Isak’s comments but reaffirming their stance that the striker will not be sold this summer.
Newcastle’s Statement in Full
“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening.
“We wish to be 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 strong 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.”
Stand-off Continues
The club’s response underlines their determination to hold firm, with Newcastle valuing Isak at £150m.
Liverpool, the leading suitors, had a £110m plus add-ons bid rejected earlier this month, but with less than two weeks left in the transfer window, the standoff now appears to be reaching a breaking point.
Manager Eddie Howe has repeatedly said he wants Isak back in the fold, but the player has been training separately from the first team since returning from Spain earlier this month.
With Newcastle struggling to secure a replacement — having missed out on Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko — the situation leaves the club in a precarious position ahead of the new season.
Isak’s decision to go public has ramped up the pressure on the Tyneside club, and unless a breakthrough comes soon, the saga threatens to overshadow Newcastle’s start to the campaign.
With tensions escalating, the standoff between Newcastle and Isak looks set to dominate the final stretch of the transfer window.