The Alexander Isak saga has been a long-drawn one, and there is no respite in sight. In the initial stages of the transfer window, it was expected that the player would stay at St. James’ Park, as he still has three years remaining on his contract. But trouble brewed soon after the player demanded a major salary hike, which the club hierarchy were reportedly unwilling to fulfil. Then came the Liverpool bid, which further complicated the matter.
Although Newcastle were quick to reject the approach from the Reds, Isak has been adamant on a move. The Swede was training alone and was left out of the pre-season friendlies by Eddie Howe until the uncertainty over his future was cleared, which hasn’t happened as we speak with the player missing from the Magpies’ Premier League opening matchup against Aston Villa as well.
Meanwhile, Isak posted on Instagram after being included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25, stating that promises were being made by Newcastle which weren’t kept, and that the player has been clear about his position for a long time. He further added that it’s better for both parties that this relationship doesn’t continue further. Now the Magpies have officially responded to Isak’s post with a statement.
Newcastle officially respond to Alexander Isak’s cryptic Instagram post
Newcastle United have posted on their official website to reply to Isak’s claims of the club previously promising to let him leave. They wrote:
"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."
It’s pretty clear that the Swedish international is trying to force his way out and, in that bid, is tarnishing the club’s image as well. The Magpies will have to ask themselves if it would really be worth it to keep an unhappy Isak over signing someone new after cashing him in.
There’s no doubt that Isak has helped Newcastle since joining the club and is one of their best players. But the recent incidents involving the player have not gone down well with the fans and understandably so. It’s true that there are limited options available in the transfer market for the Magpies to go after now, but the club must find a solution soon to end this standoff with Isak. This cannot be the reason that derails the progress made by Newcastle over the past few seasons.