Newcastle United now have NO intention of allowing Alexander Isak to leave in light of a bombshell statement in which he accused the club of ‘broken promises’.
The club have pursued alternatives all summer and, had they signed one of their top targets, they would have explored Isak’s sale to Liverpool, recognising his desire to move on.
However, the message from the top on Tuesday night was that Isak will be told he is staying at the club. The hierarchy believe they have now been left with no choice but to stand firm after the striker released his inflammatory statement, and privately their stance has hardened.
As recently as this weekend they were still trying to bring in two strikers that would have allowed them to consider a renewed approach from Liverpool, having previously missed out on the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike or Benjamin Sesko.
But signing one, let alone two, has proven difficult, and the growing likelihood was that Isak would have to stay on Tyneside, despite his insistence on never playing for the club again.
The 25-year-old broke his silence on his strike on Tuesday night, saying trust has been lost and that a change was best for all parties.
Alexander Isak has hit out at Newcastle in a bombshell statement on social media on Tuesday
The stiker’s incendiary message asserted that ‘promises are broken’ between himself and his club
But Newcastle later hit back with a statement of their own, insisting they had listened to and tried to facilitate his wishes, before adding that they now expect to welcome him back into the squad.
‘We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,’ the club said. ‘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.’
Daily Mail Sport revealed last month that Isak and his camp were furious last summer when new sporting director Paul Mitchell told them he would not be getting a new contract. Previous co-owner Amanda Staveley had discussed improved terms with them in the spring, believing he was worth and due a pay rise.
Former Newcastle director Amanda Staveley had discussed new terms with Isak’s camp
By missing out on striker targets this window like Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle are keen to hold on to their player
That led to a feeling of resentment and Isak’s mind was made up that he wanted to move on, informing the club at the end of last season of his intention to leave.
However, Newcastle have tried and, so far, failed to find a replacement. Sources close to the situation believe this has triggered the release of a statement in which Isak says there is no way back.
‘I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,’ he wrote on his Instagram account.
‘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.’
