Alexander Isak breaks silence on Newcastle-Liverpool transfer saga

Nick McGee

Alexander Isak breaks silence on Newcastle-Liverpool transfer saga image

Alexander Isak has insisted his relationship with Newcastle United cannot continue, claiming the club have broken promises made to him as he seeks a transfer to Liverpool.

Isak is refusing to train with his team-mates or play for Newcastle amid an impasse with the club over his future.

Liverpool have had one bid, believed to be worth £110million, flatly rejected by Newcastle, who are believed to value their talisman at £150m.

Newcastle are thought to want to sign two strikers before even considering sanctioning a sale of Isak, and remain in talks for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa. 

But, with Isak conspicuous by his absence for the PFA Awards gala on Tuesday, the 25-year-old released a statement on his Instagram story making it adundantly clear he considers his Newcastle career over.

Isak breaks his silence

Isak was nominated for PFA Player of the Year following an exceptional 2024/25 season for Newcastle, which saw him score 27 goals in all competitions, including what proved to be the winner in the Magpies' triumph over Liverpool in the EFL Cup final in March.

Explaining his absence from the awards event, he 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 have 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 interest of everyone, not just myself."

Isak's claims of broken promises likely to relates to the club's previously reported pledge to sign him to a new contract at significantly improved terms. It has been said that former sporting director Paul Mitchell reneged on that promise, made before his arrival at the club. Mitchell left Newcastle this summer.

Newcastle face Liverpool on Monday in their first home game of the season at St James' Park.

Eddie Howe's team drew their opening game 0-0 at 10-man Aston Villa, Newcastle left to settle for a point as they failed to make the most of their dominance while operating without a recognised striker for most of the contest.

Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022.

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Nick McGee

Nick McGee is a writer and sub-editor for The Sporting News. Nick has worked in sports media for more than a decade covering everything from football to F1 and beyond. He specialises particularly in US Sports as a passionate San Francisco 49ers fan, and has covered several Super Bowls.