Liverpool manager Arne Slot insists his side will not underestimate Newcastle United, despite the uncertainty surrounding wantaway striker Alexander Isak, Afrosport reports.
Isak has been at the centre of a transfer storm after making clear his desire to leave St. James’ Park this summer, with Liverpool reported to be his preferred destination.
The 25-year-old Swede took to social media on Tuesday, accusing the Magpies of “broken promises” and declaring that his relationship with the club “cannot continue.”
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time, he wrote on Instagram. “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”.
Newcastle swiftly responded with a strongly worded statement rejecting Isak’s claims, insisting no agreement had ever been reached to allow him to leave this summer.
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.”
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to St. James’ Park on Monday, Slot maintained that Isak’s possible absence does not change the challenge his side will face.
The Dutchman said: “Although I assume – I’m not sure but I assume – Isak is not playing from what I read in the media. But they still have Anthony Gordon as a nine, they still have [Anthony] Elanga as a right-winger and [Harvey] Barnes from the left, and then Jacob Murphy isn’t even playing, who was very good against us twice last season. This is the Premier League, we all have a lot of options and Newcastle have them as well.”
Liverpool began their campaign with a thrilling 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield and now head to Tyneside for a fixture already charged with emotion, given their pursuit of Newcastle’s star striker.
