Alexander Isak and Newcastle United have traded statements in a fresh twist regarding the wantaway striker.
The Magpies frontman has been at the centre of a long-running summer saga so far this term with Liverpool hot on his tail.
The Reds have wanted to sign the Swede since the end of last season to bolster their forward line and even submitted an offer worth believed to be in the region of around £110million to take him to Anfield.
That bid was turfed out by Newcastle who still view Isak as a key player in Eddie Howe’s squad for the coming campaign. An offer of far more than the initial fee would be necessary for Newcastle to sell, so say multiple reports.
Isak has been accused of bad behaviour as he looks to force a move away from St James’ Park with the Premier League champions still interested.
Alexander Isak accuses Newcastle of broken transfer promises
And now the 25-year-old has doubled down with an emphatic statement insisting Newcastle “broke promises” to him, implying the club told him they would allow him to leave.
“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there,” Isak said on social media on his PFA Awards no-show last night.
“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 interests of everyone, not just myself.”
It was a post which racked up thousands of likes and shares on other platforms but it triggered a response from Newcastle who were adamant they made no such promises to the £150m-rated attacker Isak.
What Newcastle said about Isak’s statement
They also maintain that Isak will be welcomed back with open arms when he finally learns to accept their stance.
The official response 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.
“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.”
