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 tonight is 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.
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
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.
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.’