Newcastle United have denied rumours they have given Alexander Isak a guarantee of a possible summer exit, insisting they are committed to keeping the forward despite his ambition to join Liverpool. The club stressed they have “no expectations” of completing a deal as the necessary conditions for approval are unlikely to be met before the market closes.
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Soccer Special experts respond to Isak's public appeal in the context of the Newcastle transfer saga
The striker linked with a move to Liverpool has said his relationship with Newcastle has “come to an end”, calling the change a “mutual decision” and accusing the board of failing to honour agreements over his development.
Shortly after the footballer's scandalous interview, the club responded to Isak's claims about the existence of verbal agreements about leaving, repeating its position: a sale is unlikely, since the conditions put forward have not yet been met.
The transfer was always dependent on two factors: finding a suitable replacement and the other side agreeing to pay £150m. Neither of these had been met with two weeks left in the market.
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The 25-year-old continues to train separately from the first team, but the club statement added: “Alex remains a member of our squad and we look forward to his return whenever he chooses to rejoin the group.”
In his emotional address, the forward noted: “I have remained silent for a long time, allowing others to distort the facts. This has led to the spread of false interpretations of events, although the participants in the negotiations know that the real agreements remained behind closed doors.”
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Martin Hardy (The Times) and Ian Ladyman (Daily Mail) commented on the situation on Back Pages Tonight.
“The facts are that the commitments were recorded and the club has long been aware of my position. To pretend that disagreements have suddenly arisen is to ignore reality.
“Breach of commitments and loss of trust make further cooperation impossible. This is the current situation, and changes are necessary for all parties, not just for me.”
Newcastle's official response said: “We are committed to retaining key players but are also mindful of their personal aspirations.”
“As we explained to Alexander and his team, all decisions are made taking into account the interests of Newcastle United, our team and the fans. We clearly stated that the conditions for a transfer have not been formed this summer.
Our prediction: these conditions will not be met.
This is a club with a rich history and a family atmosphere. Alex remains part of that and we are delighted to have him back when he is ready.”
In July, Sky Sports News reported that Isak was keen to explore offers in the current transfer window.
Liverpool rejected a £110m bid with bonuses for the Swedish striker in early August.
Isak publicly expressed his displeasure on Tuesday, posting on Instagram during the PFA ceremony, which he missed despite being nominated for Player of the Year due to a dispute with the club.
He wrote: “I am grateful to my colleagues for including me in the Premier League Team of the Year for the 2024/25 season.”
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Expert Sam Allardyce is convinced that Newcastle should agree to sell the player.
“First of all, thanks to my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who supported me along the way.
I am not at the ceremony today. Under the circumstances, my presence would be inappropriate.”
Newcastle have yet to find a replacement for Callum Wilson, let alone compensate for Isak's possible departure.
The club missed out on signing Hugo Ekitiku and Benjamin Cesko (who were seen as potential successors) and now their options are extremely limited with two weeks left in the market.
Newcastle previously rejected a £25m bid for Yohan Wissou but the deal is on hold until Brentford find an alternative.
Vissa is seen as a backup, and his possible arrival is unlikely to affect the situation with Isak.
Apart from the Swede, the only other player on the Magpies' roster is 22-year-old William Osula, who did not play a single match in the starting lineup last season.
Expertise: Why Newcastle can't close the Isak issue
Keith Downey (Sky Sports News):
“The club emphasizes the lack of a worthy alternative and the insufficient amount of the offer from Liverpool, which is significantly lower than the estimated value of the player.
If Newcastle were to sign Ekitike or Cesko, who chose Liverpool and Manchester United respectively, the club could consider moving the Swede for a higher fee.
Newcastle have done everything possible to realise Isak's ambitions, but they cannot be left without their leading striker.
If no extraordinary events occur before September 1, the player will remain. However, the question of his return to the team remains open…”
Chronicle of events around Isaac
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Sunday Supplement contributors weigh in on Isak's Newcastle prospects
July 15: Liverpool rejected by Newcastle after unofficial interest in Isak and switch to Ekitike.
July 19: Eddie Howe blames Isak's absence against Celtic on 'increased attention' and sends him home from Glasgow.
23 July: Liverpool move for Ekitike after Newcastle's failed bids for Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
July 24: Isak is not included in the club's Asian tour due to a “minor thigh injury”, according to the official version.
July 24: It becomes known that the player wants to consider transfer options.
31 July: Sky Sports News reports Isak training individually at Real Sociedad's training ground.
1 August: Newcastle reject Liverpool's formal offer of £110m with bonuses.
2 August: Club make £70m bid for Cesko at RB Leipzig as Isak returns to the north-east after Spain camp.
4 August: Player returns to Newcastle's training ground for the first time and separate training begins.
August 4: New bid for Cesko amid competition from Manchester United.
August 8: Eddie Howe says 'We want this player in the squad' after Isak's absence against Espanyol.
August 9: Manchester United snatch Cesko despite lesser offer from Newcastle.
August 16: Isak is ruled out of the Premier League opener against Aston Villa but Howe leaves the 'door open' for a return.
19 August: Player pulls out of PFA ceremony, accuses club of breaking promises and calls for change.
19 August: Newcastle issue a response denying any move has been agreed and confirming their willingness to take the player back.
Carragher condemns Isaac's actions
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Tim Sherwood assesses Isak's transfer saga.
Jamie Carragher (Sky Sports):
“I am outraged by his behavior. The fans will not approve of this.
The desire to change clubs is part of football, but you need to work on the field. You can express dissatisfaction, but to the point of refusing to train is unacceptable.
“I'm not sure Liverpool need a player like that. It's similar to the approach PSG or Real Madrid take when it comes to signing stars. Liverpool doesn't do that. Those funds can be used for other things.”
Neville: Isak's agent must be held accountable
Gary Neville (Sky Sports):
“Isak should make a claim to his agent. The situation looks ugly.
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Former Magpies striker Andy Carroll has condemned Isak's behaviour.
It's a shame about Eddie Howe. Isak wants trophies and he's in a hurry, because his career is short. But giving up the game is unacceptable.
It is important for Newcastle to show firmness. A sale after this scenario would set a dangerous precedent.
The player will probably stay for another season. There is no other way to preserve the club's reputation.”
Merson: Player's reputation at risk
Paul Merson (Sky Sports):
“Isak has trapped himself. Threats to never play for Newcastle again are dangerous.
This is a city of devoted fans and it is in danger of losing their support. It will take outstanding results to regain their trust.
If the transfer falls through, he won't leave as a hero. Silence would allow him to save face and end the cooperation in a mutually beneficial way.
Now things are different: his legacy is tarnished and the path to reconciliation is more difficult.”
Sourse: skysports.com
