Liverpool and Isak in agreement as Newcastle Chiefs respond to statement – ‘We’ve been clear’

Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer, but Newcastle United have made their position very clear.

The Magpies responded firmly after the Swedish striker broke his silence with a public statement, saying that no promises had ever been made to let him leave this window.

Despite his frustration and desire to move on, Newcastle are standing by their stance and insisting that the conditions for his departure have not been met.

The saga took a fresh twist on Tuesday night when Isak posted on Instagram, accusing the club of breaking promises behind closed doors.

He explained that he has stayed quiet while others have shaped the narrative, but felt the need to set the record straight.

In his message, he thanked his teammates and acknowledged his place in the PFA Team of the Season for 2024/25 but admitted it did not feel right to attend the awards ceremony in person. He went on to suggest that trust had been lost and that change would be in the best interests of all parties.

Newcastle’s response was swift. Within hours of Isak’s statement, the club released an official reply stressing that he remains under contract and that no commitment had ever been given that he could leave.

The statement expressed disappointment that such issues had been aired publicly, while underlining the club’s ambition to keep their best players.

Newcastle insisted that the criteria for allowing a sale this summer have not materialised and that they do not expect them to before the window closes.

The club described themselves as a family and emphasised that Isak would be welcomed back into the squad when he is ready.

The situation has already had an impact on pre-season. Isak was left out of Newcastle’s tour of the Far East last month, with a thigh injury cited as the reason for his absence.

However, he has been training alone all summer and has not featured in any of the friendlies. He was also omitted from the squad that drew 0-0 with Aston Villa on Saturday and is not expected to play when Liverpool visit St James’ Park on Monday.

His separation from the team only adds to the uncertainty about his future.

Liverpool remain highly interested. Earlier this month, they tested Newcastle’s resolve with a bid of £110 million, which was immediately turned down.

Reports suggest that if talks resume, any eventual deal could set a new British transfer record, with Newcastle valuing Isak closer to £150 million.

For now, though, the Magpies appear unwilling to budge, especially given their difficulties in signing replacements.

Recruitment has been a struggle for Newcastle this summer. Despite needing reinforcements up front, they have missed out on several key targets.

Joao Pedro and Liam Delap both chose Chelsea, Hugo Ekitike joined Liverpool, and Benjamin Sesko completed a big-money move to Manchester United.

With options narrowing, Eddie Howe’s nephew Andy, who has been leading the recruitment efforts, still faces the challenge of bringing in two new strikers before the club can even consider sanctioning Isak’s departure.

So far, only Anthony Elanga has arrived, and while Yoane Wissa of Brentford remains a target, progress has been slow.

This leaves the situation finely balanced. On one side is a player who feels promises have been broken and who has clearly set his sights on leaving.

On the other is a club determined to stick to its own principles, mindful not only of financial considerations but also of the message it would send to fans and other players if a star striker were allowed to walk away too easily.

Isak’s words suggest the relationship has been damaged beyond repair. He spoke of broken promises, lost trust, and the need for change. Those are not phrases that hint at reconciliation, and they underline his determination to push for an exit.

Yet Newcastle’s statement leaves no doubt about their position either, framing the matter as one of respect for the club’s long-term interests and their supporters.

As the transfer window ticks down towards its September 1 deadline, this standoff is set to dominate headlines.

For Liverpool, the chance to secure one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards remains alive, but they will need to return with a much bigger offer and perhaps a little patience as Newcastle work on signings of their own.

For Newcastle, it is about holding their ground, protecting their project, and trying to ensure that whatever happens, the club emerges stronger.

Whether Isak eventually gets his move or stays at St James’ Park, one thing is certain: this saga has already tested relationships, sparked debate, and added huge drama to a summer that shows no signs of slowing down.