Alexander Isak’s time at Newcastle United looks uncertain after the striker openly claimed “promises have been broken” and that his “relationship can’t continue” with the club.
The Sweden international is currently in a stand-off with the Magpies after Newcastle rejected Liverpool’s £110m bid almost three weeks ago.
Isak believes he was assured he could leave if a big club came in with the right offer. But Newcastle have denied making any such promise and insist he remains under contract.
Isak Breaks His Silence
On Tuesday, Isak explained his side of the story in an Instagram post after missing the Professional Footballers’ Association’s awards gala, where he was named in the Premier League team of the season.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,” Isak wrote.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Newcastle quickly responded with a statement of their own:
“We are clear 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.”
The club added they want to keep their best players, though they also understand players have their own wishes.
Why Haven’t Liverpool Bid Again?
Liverpool remain strongly interested in Isak, but have yet to return with a second offer.
One big reason is Newcastle’s lack of strikers. They lost Callum Wilson earlier in the summer and have yet to replace him. Until the Magpies bring in two new strikers, they are unwilling to sell Isak.
Liverpool know this – and are waiting. Sources suggest their next bid will be at least £120m, but only once Newcastle sort out their striker situation.
Newcastle’s Striker Hunt
Eddie Howe has made it clear: Newcastle are only focused on bringing in forwards.
Targets include Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, though Newcastle haven’t met his £40m+ price tag, and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen, who only recently signed permanently after a successful loan. Both moves are proving difficult with the transfer window closing soon.
In the meantime, winger Anthony Gordon has been forced to play as a makeshift striker.
Why Has Recruitment Been Difficult?
Newcastle have missed out on several big names this summer – including Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro – who joined rival Premier League clubs.
There are two main problems:
-
Strikers want minutes – and many don’t want to sit behind Isak.
-
Top forwards are expensive – prices rise quickly, and Newcastle are wary of overspending.
The Magpies have made big moves already, signing Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Jacob Ramsey and Aaron Ramsdale. But without a striker, the squad looks unbalanced.
Can Isak Be Reintegrated?
Eddie Howe insists the door is still open for Isak. The forward is currently training away from the group, but Newcastle say he will be welcomed back if he chooses.
Still, relations look strained. At the weekend, Newcastle fans sang “greedy” at Isak following the draw with Aston Villa.
With the transfer deadline closing on 1 September, time is running out for both Liverpool and Isak. If Newcastle cannot sign replacements quickly, reintegrating the striker might be their best option.
As football analyst Omar Chaudhuri noted, top-class strikers are harder to find than ever:
“Globally, seven centre-forwards have moved for €50m or more this summer, compared to just two last year. But very few have proven to be instant successes.”
For Newcastle, that makes keeping Isak – despite the broken trust – perhaps their safest bet.
