Newcastle United have expressed their disappointment at a social media statement released by Alexander Isak and made it clear they do not expect their requirements for a sale of the striker to be met.
Isak is refusing to train with his team-mates or play for Newcastle as he attempts to push through a move to Liverpool, who are reported to have had a £110million bid for the Sweden international rejected. Newcastle are believed to value Isak at £150m.
Explaining his absence from Tuesday's PFA awards gala, Isak said in a statement posted to his Instagram story that his relationship with Newcastle "can't continue", claiming the club had broken promises made to him.
However, Newcastle responded on Tuesday in a statement posted on their official website, insisting the club has never communicated to Isak that he would be allowed to leave St James' Park this transfer window, despite reports claiming the Magpies would be willing to sanction a sale if they signed two strikers.
Newcastle respond to Isak
Newcastle's statement read: "We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening.
"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.
📲Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
"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 team-mates."
What Isak said
Isak finally broke his silence on the transfer saga of the summer when he wrote on Instagram: "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.
Newcastle United statement: Alexander Isak
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) August 19, 2025
"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."
But Newcastle appear determined that their relationship with Isak will continue, potentially leaving manager Eddie Howe with the difficult task of reintegrating him into the squad.
Isak was nominated for PFA Player of the Year award and named in the Team 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.
He has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances for Newcastle since joining from Real Sociedad in 2022.
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 of the 2025/26 season 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.
Newcastle news and related links
Alexander Isak breaks silence on Newcastle-Liverpool transfer saga
Newcastle's Alexander Isak defended by Sweden coach over Liverpool transfer saga
How Jacob Ramsey's arrival solves Newcastle United's Champions League problem