By Martin Graham
Alexander Isak has accused Newcastle United of failing to keep commitments and says the relationship is “unsustainable” as he pushes for a move this summer.
It has been almost three weeks since Liverpool’s £110m approach for the Sweden forward was turned down. The 25-year-old remains in dispute with the club over what comes next.
Sources told that Isak had expected to be allowed to leave if a major side offered the right amount.
In a message on Instagram on Tuesday, the striker explained his absence from the Professional Footballers’ Association awards ceremony, where he was named in the Premier League’s best XI.
“I’ve been quiet while others have spoken,” Isak wrote. “That silence has allowed people to promote their own version of events. Promises were made, and the club has long known my position. When promises are broken, trust is lost, and the relationship can’t continue.”
Newcastle replied that they were “disappointed” by his statement. “Alex remains under contract, and no official has ever given assurances that he could leave this summer,” the club said. “We want to keep our best players but must act in the best interests of Newcastle United, the squad, and our supporters. The circumstances for a sale have not arisen, and we do not expect them to.”
Why Liverpool have not made another move
Liverpool has not followed up on their initial proposal, and part of the reason lies in Newcastle’s own recruitment issues.
This summer’s business has brought in midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Aston Villa, defender Malick Thiaw from AC Milan, winger Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest, and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale on loan from Arsenal.
But none of these additions are strikers. Callum Wilson’s exit has left Newcastle short in attack, and Isak’s standoff has made the situation more urgent.
Insiders suggest Liverpool will only return with a new offer – expected to be at least £120m – once Newcastle secures two new center forwards. Until then, the Merseyside club are waiting.
Newcastle’s pursuit of new forwards
Eddie Howe has been clear that replacing Wilson is the main priority. However, progress has been slow.
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa is on the shortlist, but Newcastle has not matched the London club’s valuation of over £40m. Wissa is understood to be keen on the move.
Another option is Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, but the Midlands club are unwilling to sell so soon after making his move permanent. Larsen scored 14 league goals last season following his loan spell.
So far, Newcastle has had to rely on Anthony Gordon as a makeshift striker, and he may again lead the line against Liverpool on Monday night.
Challenges in completing transfers
Newcastle’s attempts to bring in replacements have been complicated by competition and cost.
Top targets such as Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, and Joao Pedro joined Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea, respectively. Strikers willing to play second choice were already hard to attract, and proven scorers command high prices.
Although Newcastle’s financial picture is stronger this summer with past losses removed from the Profit and Sustainability cycle, the club remains cautious about overspending. Officials are wary that a large outlay now could affect future transfer windows.
Can Isak be brought back into the squad?
Howe has kept the door open for a return. Newcastle insists Isak is “part of the family” and will be welcomed back when ready.
For now, he continues to train separately. Supporters expressed their anger at Villa Park on Saturday, calling him “greedy” after the goalless draw.
With time running out before the window closes on 1 September and few options available to replace him, reintegration remains possible – and may even be Newcastle’s most realistic solution.
