Alexander Isak says ‘change’ best for everyone after Newcastle United trust broken

LONDON – Alexander Isak believes that his departure from Newcastle United is “in the best interests of everyone”, after finally breaking his silence on the saga of the English Premier League transfer window amid speculation over a move to Liverpool.

The Magpies have since responded by saying that the club are disappointed by his comments.

The Swedish international striker, who was the second-highest scorer in the Premier League last season with 23 goals, has not featured for the team in pre-season or their opening game of the new campaign, a 0-0 draw away at Aston Villa last weekend.

Liverpool have reportedly had a £110 million bid (S$190.9 million) rejected for the 25-year-old, with Newcastle holding out for a British transfer record fee of up to £150 million.

Isak released a statement on Aug 19 after deciding not to appear at the Professional Footballers’ Association awards event, despite being selected in the Premier League 2024-25 Team of the Year.

“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. 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,” he posted on Instagram.

“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.”

According to reports, Isak had been promised an improved contract only for the Magpies to hold off due to the pressures of meeting financial sustainability rules.

The club responded with a statement late on Aug 19 saying that while they were saddened by Isak’s comments, they could yet welcome him back into the squad.

“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” 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.”

The statement added: “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.

“We do not foresee those conditions being met.

“This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”

Isak has scored 62 goals in 109 appearances since joining from Spanish side Real Sociedad in 2022, including the winner against Liverpool in the 2025 League Cup final that ended Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.

Liverpool have already spent around £300 million overhauling a squad that romped to the Premier League title last season.

But they have also recouped around £200 million in sales and are still in the market for attacking options after the departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez and the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

The Reds beat Bournemouth 4-2 on the opening day of the season last week, while Newcastle drew with 10-man Villa.

Any deal is unlikely to be done before the two clubs face off in their next Premier League game on Aug 25 at St James’ Park. AFP