Liverpool transfer target Alexander Isak has broken silence on his future.
Isak has taken to social media to claim that Newcastle United have broken promises made to him and confirming that a move this summer is in the best interests of all parties.
The Sweden international posted on Instagram shortly after being named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2024–25.
Despite the honour, Isak revealed he chose not to attend the PFA awards ceremony, saying it “didn’t feel right to be there” amid ongoing uncertainty over his future.
“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 has supported me along the way. I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there.”
The striker added that he has remained silent for some time while “others have spoken,” allowing “people to push their own version of events” that do not reflect the reality of discussions held 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’s comments are the clearest indication yet that he is determined to leave St. James’ Park this summer. Liverpool have already had one bid rejected for the forward, with Newcastle reportedly unwilling to countenance his departure while continuing to pursue potential replacements.
The striker’s admission comes ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Newcastle, adding extra intrigue to the fixture. The Reds are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Isak’s post has sparked widespread discussion, with fans and pundits debating whether Liverpool can secure the signing of a player who has proven himself as one of the Premier League’s most exciting forwards. His confirmation that trust with Newcastle has been broken could increase pressure on the North East club to negotiate a deal before the transfer window closes.
Just an hour later, Newcastle issued a swift public response, denying that any such commitment had ever been made. In a strongly worded statement, the club said:
“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.”
“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 teammates.”
Isak’s determination to leave has been evident all summer. He was omitted from Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East last month, citing a minor thigh injury, and has since been training alone. The forward has played no part in any of the Magpies’ friendlies and was left out of their Saturday’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa.
He is also certain not to feature against Liverpool when the Reds travel to St James’ Park on Monday night.
Liverpool saw a £110m bid for the striker instantly rejected at the beginning of August, but there remains the possibility that negotiations could reopen before the September 1 deadline. Any deal would almost certainly set a new British transfer record.
For Liverpool, landing a striker of Isak’s calibre would be a statement of intent. The 25-year-old was in sensational form last season, scoring consistently and demonstrated the skill and versatility to fit seamlessly into Arne Slot’s attacking system.
With Liverpool looking to sharpen their front line, Isak could be exactly the addition the Reds need to compete at the highest level.
For now, Newcastle’s stance is firm Isak stays put. But with the player agitating for a move and Liverpool prepared to push again, the saga is far from over.
