Newcastle United respond to Alexander Isak’s bombshell statement with chances of Liverpool transfer
Newcastle United have made their stance clear to Liverpool target Alexander Isak after his statement on Tuesday.
The Reds have been attempting to prise away the striker for more than a month, with Isak currently refusing to play for Eddie Howe’s side.
At the start of the month, Newcastle rejected a £110million offer from Liverpool for the 25-year-old, but a second bid has not yet been made.
And on Tuesday 19 August, the saga took another twist, with Isak taking to social media to claim of broken promises made by the Magpies.
Newcastle United deny previous Alexander Isak agreement
At the start of the summer, Newcastle appeared intent against any possibility of Isak’s departure.
But as the striker’s desires have become clear, the stance at St James’ Park has shifted, and the Magpies would have sanctioned his departure.
The conditions needed to be right, however – Newcastle needed to have signed two strikers, and to have received a bid that matched, or got close to, their valuation.
- Alexander Isak to Liverpool timeline:
- July 15 – Liverpool make intentions to sign Isak clear.
- July 23 – Liverpool sign Hugo Ekitike despite Newcastle efforts.
- July 24 – Isak makes desires clear, starts to train away from club.
- August 1 – Liverpool’s opening bid is rejected.
- August 9 – Newcastle target Benjamin Sesko joins Manchester United.
Liverpool appeared willing to match the fee, but even one new striker has yet to arrive in the North East, with moves for Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, and Yoane Wissa failing spectacularly.
On Tuesday night, Isak released a statement on Instagram expressing that “promises were made” and later “broken”, with the Swede ending the post by writing “change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”
Newcastle quickly responded with a statement of their own, claiming that “no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.”
And it was reported on 19 August by Craig Hope that the Magpies now have no intention of allowing Isak to leave in the closing weeks of the window, with the Swede set to be told he will be staying.
Liverpool dealt hammer transfer blow
Liverpool’s next move is hard to predict. The Reds need another striker, with the departures of Luiz Diaz and Darwin Nunez now leaving them short in attack, despite Ekitike’s arrival.
But Isak was their top target, and for good reason – the forward scored 23 Premier League goals last season.
| Liverpool’s options in attack |
| Mohamed Salah |
| Hugo Ekitike |
| Cody Gakpo |
| Federico Chiesa |
| Rio Ngumoha |
Pivoting to an alternative target could prevent them from making a future move for the Swede, but Arne Slot will be unwilling to see the window close with his options left lacking.
For Isak himself, a decision must be made, with a year spent without first-team football likely to prove damaging to his development.
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