Newcastle respond to Alexander Isak’s bombshell post and explain chances of Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak’s attempts to force a move from Newcastle United to Liverpool have taken yet another twist.
Newcastle were hit by Isak’s bombshell statement on Tuesday as their wantaway striker posted on social media to announce that the Magpies’ hierarchy had known his position on a transfer “for a long time”.
Isak has already taken steps to ostracise himself from Eddie Howe‘s plans by failing to join Newcastle’s pre-season tour of the Far East and training separately from the main group amid interest from Liverpool.
Liverpool have already seen a £110million bid turned down by Newcastle, but Arne Slot is willing to spend £140m in order to sign Isak if they can break the negotiating deadlock in the wake of his statement.
Now, Newcastle have responded to that statement by underlining their position on Isak’s future at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle United deny any previous Alexander Isak agreement
Newcastle fans haven’t held back on Isak with criticism coming from all angles at the “unprofessional” way the 25-year-old has handled his situation, and Isak’s statement has compounded those feelings.
The striker’s claims of “broken promises” and “lost trust” make his position increasingly untenable as a Newcastle player going forward, but the club have remained steadfast in a new statement of their own.
The Magpies posted a statement on Newcastle’s club website on 19 August, which was headlined with: “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 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.”
Liverpool dealt hammer blow
Liverpool fans’ eyes will have lit up upon seeing Isak’s statment crop up on social media, with his clear and public intent to leave Newcastle potentially opening the door for the Reds to complete his signing.
The Reds are unwilling to pay the record-shattering £150m Newcastle have demanded for Isak so far this summer, the striker’s bombshell statement could give Liverpool hope that fee can be agreed for far less.
However, Newcastle’s retort has underlined their intent to hold firm on the striker’s position and made clear that their valuation of Isak will not come down, leaving Liverpool with a decision to make over the biggest transfer in their history.