Alexander Isak Transfer News: Liverpool target breaks silence and declares he ‘can’t continue’ at Newcastle

Alexander Isak, a Liverpool target, claims his relationship with Newcastle “can’t continue” and that “change is in the best interests of everyone” because the club broke promises about his future.

Newcastle responded hours after the striker delivered his bombshell remark, disputing Isak’s claim that he was told he may leave this summer and insisting that they “do not foresee” the player being sold, as their requirements are unlikely to be reached.

Isak’s possible transfer has always been contingent on Newcastle securing a sufficient successor and a club achieving their £150 million valuation. With less than two weeks remaining in the window, neither of these prerequisites has been met.

Alexander Isak transfer news: Liverpool target breaks silent, declares he ‘can’t continue’ at Newcastle Newcastle deny offering Alexander Isak a commitment he may leave this summer as the striker presses for a move to Liverpool, and say they ‘do not envisage’ the player being sold because the circumstances required for them to sanction a trade are unlikely to occur in the closing weeks of the window.

Isak, 25, is presently training separately from his teammates, but Newcastle stated that “Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his team-mates.”

Isak’s shocking declaration said: “I’ve been quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, although knowing that it does not reflect what was stated and agreed upon behind closed doors.

“The reality is that promises were made, and the club has known about my situation for a long time. It is disingenuous to appear as if these difficulties are only just surfacing.

“When commitments are broken and trust is lost, the relationship cannot last. That’s where things stand for me right now, and why change is beneficial to everyone, not just myself.”

Newcastle’s reaction read: “We want to keep our top players, but we also recognize that players have their own preferences and listen to their opinions.

“As we said to Alex and his representatives, we must always consider the best interests of Newcastle United, the team, and our supporters in all decisions, and we have made it clear that the terms of a sale this summer have not been met.

“We don’t see those requirements being met.

“This is a strong football club with proud history, and we want to maintain our family atmosphere. Alex remains a member of our family, and he will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”

In July, Sky Sports News reported that Isak notified Newcastle that he planned to explore his options during the transfer window.

Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s proposal of £110 million plus add-ons for the 25-year-old in early August.

Isak vented his emotions on Tuesday in an Instagram post at the PFA awards event, which he missed despite being nominated for Player of the Year owing to his ongoing dispute with Newcastle.

He stated, “I’m honored to have been named to the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25 by my peers.”

“First and foremost, I’d like to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the journey.

“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel appropriate to be present.”

So far, Newcastle have failed to sign a striker to replace Callum Wilson, let alone Isak.

They were unsuccessful in signing Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko this summer, both of whom were considered potential successors to Isak, and now have very few options with less than two weeks remaining in the window.

Newcastle had a £25 million proposal for Yoane Wissa rejected earlier in the summer, but the transaction remains stalled while Brentford look for a replacement themselves.

Wissa is regarded as Newcastle’s second-choice striker, and his possible arrival would hardly assist Isak secure his move.

Aside from Isak, Newcastle only has one recognised striker on their roster: 22-year-old William Osula, who did not start a single Premier League game for the club last season.

Analysis: Newcastle tried to give Isak his move.

Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie:

“Newcastle are highlighting here that they have been unable to identify a viable successor for Alexander Isak, coupled by Liverpool’s opening bid falling well below the striker’s price.

“Had Newcastle been able to recruit Hugo Ekitike or Benjamin Sesko, who have since joined Liverpool and Manchester United, the club would very certainly have reluctantly sold Isak to Liverpool in exchange for a higher price from the Premier League winners.

“Newcastle have worked hard to facilitate and grant Isak’s wish, but they cannot leave themselves without a recognised striker.”

“Unless something unexpected happens between now and the window shutting on September 1, it appears that Isak will stay. It’s unclear when or if he’ll play again.

Timeline of Isak saga

On July 15, Liverpool informed Isak that he would not be available for sale due to an informal request from Newcastle. Instead, they pursued Hugo Ekitike after being turned down.

On July 19, Eddie Howe revealed that despite Isak’s presence in the pre-season friendly against Celtic, he elected to send him home due to speculation.

Liverpool signed Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt on July 23, after Newcastle had missed out on Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Isak was not included in Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia due to a “minor thigh injury” (July 24).

July 24: It later emerges that Isak has informed Newcastle he wishes to explore his alternatives in this transfer window.

According to Sky Sports News, Isak is exercising separately at his previous club Real Sociedad’s facilities.

On August 1, Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s official proposal for Isak valued £110 million including add-ons.

On August 2, Newcastle made a formal proposal of around £70 million for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Isak returned to the North East after a personal training camp in Spain.

On August 4, the striker returned to Newcastle’s training site for the first time. He has since trained separately from his teammates.

On August 4, Newcastle increased their offer to RB Leipzig for Sesko, amid interest from Manchester United.

On August 8, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe stated, “We would love the player to be with us” after Isak missed a friendly win over Espanyol at St James’ Park.

On August 9, Manchester United outbid Newcastle for Sesko, despite RB Leipzig’s lesser offer.

On August 16, Isak was not included in Newcastle’s Premier League season opener against Aston Villa. However, manager Howe stated that the “door is well and truly open” for him to return.

August 19: Isak skips PFA awards and makes a message on Instagram accusing Newcastle of failed commitments, stating the club “change is in the best interests of everyone”.

On August 19, Newcastle released a statement rejecting any pledges to let Isak to go and said that he will be welcomed back when he is “ready to rejoin his team-mates”.

Carra is critical of Isak’s behaviour.

Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher spoke last week:

“I don’t like the way he’s going about it, and I don’t believe any football fan should.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to leave a club; it’s part of the game; players leave clubs every summer, but you work as hard as you can and play the games. You can say you want to leave, and I understand the players’ frustration and bitterness about the money on offer, but I don’t think you can stop training.

“I’m not that concerned about Liverpool signing him. Currently, he outperforms (Hugo) Ekitike. However, it feels similar to what PSG and Real Madrid attempted a few years ago, which was to recruit all of the finest players available. Liverpool doesn’t do that. There are alternative ways Liverpool should spend that money.”

Nev: Isak should be angry with agent

Sky Sports’ Gary Neville stated last week:

“Isak should be unhappy at his agency. It’s unpleasant.

Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher stated last week:

“I don’t like the way he’s going about it, and I don’t believe any football fan should.

“There’s nothing wrong with wanting to leave a club; it’s part of the game; players leave clubs every summer, but you work as hard as you can and play the games. You can say you want to leave, and I understand the players’ frustration and bitterness about the money on offer, but I don’t think you can stop training.

“I’m not that concerned about Liverpool signing him. Currently, he outperforms (Hugo) Ekitike. However, it feels similar to what PSG and Real Madrid attempted a few years ago, which was to recruit all of the finest players available. Liverpool doesn’t do that. There are alternative ways Liverpool should spend that money.”

Nev: Isak should be unhappy with agent

Sky Sports’ Gary Neville stated last week:

“Isak should be unhappy at his agency. It’s unpleasant.

“I feel sad for Eddie Howe. Isak wants to win titles and is pressing for a move because he’s got one career. I can see both sides. He’s got five or six good years remaining.

“It appears like this man is downing tools and claiming he’s not playing, and I don’t think that is acceptable.

“Newcastle have to stand strong here. If you’re the club, it sends the incorrect message to sell after what has transpired.

“I think they have to keep him for another year because the precedent will be dangerous for Newcastle.”