Sweden international Alexander Isak has accused Newcastle United of “broken promises” and declared his relationship with the club “can’t continue” as his transfer saga takes another twist, Afrosport reports.
The 25-year-old striker is pushing for a move away from St James’ Park this summer, with Liverpool his preferred destination. The striker already sat out Newcastle’s pre-season tour of Asia and remains away from the squad, missing the goalless draw at Aston Villa in their season opener.
The Magpies recently rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool for the Swede, who remains in a stand-off with the club over his future. Reports claim he had a gentleman’s agreement with the club that he would be allowed to leave if the right offer came in.
Isak broke his silence on Tuesday night during the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) award. He was absent from the ceremony despite being shortlisted for Men’s Player of the Year and earning a spot in the Premier League Team of the Year.
“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,” he wrote on social media.
“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.
“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”.
Isak was Newcastle’s star man last season, scoring 27 goals across all competitions, including 23 in 37 league matches. He also struck in the Magpies’ 2-1 win over Liverpool at Wembley in March, a victory that secured the club’s first major trophy in 56 years.
Despite boasting Champions League football, Newcastle’s summer recruitment drive has stuttered. They have missed out on several top forward targets, losing Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool and conceding the race to sign Benjamin Sesko to Manchester United.
Callum Wilson’s exit on a free has left Eddie Howe’s side short up front, with 22-year-old William Osula their only recognised striker – and he is yet to start a Premier League game.
The Magpies have been linked with DR Congo international Yoane Wissa, who is also engaged in a standoff with Brentford, but with the transfer window closing in just 13 days, time is running out.
