NEWCASTLE, England (AP) — Alexander Isak has gone public for the first time about his discontent at Newcastle, saying the club has broken promises and that “the relationship can't continue.”
The Sweden striker was the subject of a bid from Liverpool during the offseason and has been training away from the Newcastle squad, having indicated he wanted to explore his options.
Isak was not involved in Newcastle’s Premier League opener on Saturday, a goalless draw at Aston Villa.
On Tuesday, the 25-year-old Isak, who scored 27 goals in 42 games for the Magpies last season, was named in the PFA team of the season for the Premier League and used a social media post expressing his gratitude to address his situation at Newcastle for the first time.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,” Isak wrote. “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 act now as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue."
Isak finished his post by saying: "That’s where things are for me right now — and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”
Newcastle responded with a statement saying: “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.”
The Newcastle statement said the club wanted to keep its 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 must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.”
Isak joined Newcastle in 2022 from Spanish team Real Sociedad and has blossomed into one of the most sought-after strikers in the world.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said last week there was still a chance Isak could be reintegrated into the Newcastle squad, despite the difficult current situation.
Howe said the offseason has been challenging given the absence of his star striker but that the squad has "really come together in the latter stages of preseason.”
Newcastle's statement said the club strived to “retain our family feel.”
“Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates."
With 23 goals in the Premier League last season, Isak was second in the scoring chart behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Newcastle has been linked with a move for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, who also sat out the opening round of games.
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The Associated Press
