Alexander Isak claims Newcastle United broke promises and says the relationship cannot continue. The Sweden international seeks a summer exit amid a tense standoff.
Nineteen days have passed since Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s £110m bid. Isak still remains in limbo over his future. Sources close to the player say he believed a transfer would happen if a big club offered the right price.
Isak Speaks Out
On Tuesday, Isak explained on Instagram why he skipped the Professional Footballers’ Association awards gala, where he made the Premier League team of the season.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,” he wrote. “That silence allowed people to push their own version of events, even though it misrepresented what was agreed behind closed doors. Promises were made and the club knew my position. Acting like these issues are new is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship cannot continue. That is why change is in everyone’s best interest, not just mine.”
Newcastle responded with a statement expressing disappointment. The club said Isak remains under contract and no official ever promised he could leave this summer. Newcastle emphasized they consider both the club’s and players’ best interests in all decisions and said the conditions for a sale have not been met.
Liverpool’s Next Move
Isak has dominated transfer discussions this summer, which closes on 1 September. Liverpool have yet to submit an improved offer for the 25-year-old. Questions remain: will the Reds bid again? Will Isak rejoin first-team training? What happens if no deal is struck by the deadline?
Several sources confirm that Liverpool’s hesitation relates to Newcastle’s own transfer activity.
Newcastle’s Transfer Business
After a slow start, Newcastle began signing key players this summer. They secured midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa for £40m and AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw for £34.6m. July saw the £55m signing of winger Anthony Elanga, followed by the loan arrival of England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
However, the club has yet to sign a striker. Sources indicate Liverpool may wait to submit a new bid until Newcastle secures two strikers. The next offer could reach a minimum of £120m. Until then, negotiations remain in a holding pattern.
Striker Search Complications
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has confirmed striker recruitment remains the sole priority. Replacing Callum Wilson has proven difficult, and securing a second striker has been even harder.
The club remains interested in Yoane Wissa, but Brentford’s asking price exceeds £40m. Wissa wants to join Newcastle, but the club has not met the valuation. Jorgen Strand Larsen is another target, but Wolves are reluctant to sell after he made a permanent move last month.
Meanwhile, Newcastle released Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri. The scarcity of available forwards complicates signings, forcing the club to weigh price and availability carefully. Anthony Gordon led the line against Aston Villa, and he may start again against Liverpool.
Why Deals Have Stalled
Newcastle faced stiff competition this summer, missing out on Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, and Joao Pedro, who moved to other Premier League clubs. Top strikers want playing time, and quality forwards remain costly. Even with financial flexibility under new Profit and Sustainability Rules, Newcastle must avoid overpaying, as it could restrict future transfers.
When a target emerges, prices often rise quickly. The club struggles to replace Wilson without jeopardizing long-term strategy.
Can Isak Return?
Eddie Howe insists the door remains open for Isak. The striker continues training separately from the first team. Newcastle describes Isak as part of the club family and says he will be welcomed back when ready.
Yet Isak faces time pressure if he wants to move to Liverpool, with few realistic replacement options left. Football analyst Omar Chaudhuri notes a surge in global demand for elite strikers. Seven centre-forwards have moved for 50 million euros or more this window, compared to fewer in previous years.
Chaudhuri adds, “Of the 19 strikers signed by Premier League clubs for 50 million euros or more before this season, perhaps only Haaland and Isak can be considered unqualified successes.”
Reintegrating Isak may yet prove one of Newcastle’s best options, highlighting the complexity of the transfer saga.
