Newcastle star Alexander Isak has released a statement on Instagram after opting against attending the PFA awards ceremony on Tuesday night. The striker is keen to leave the Magpies this summer and is said to be refusing to play for the club again in hope of forcing through a move to Liverpool.
The Reds have already seen an offer in the region of £120million rejected by Newcastle for the Swedish international, and Arne Slot’s side are said to be preparing a fresh offer. However, the Magpies insist that Isak is not for sale regardless.
The forward enjoyed a stellar campaign last season, scoring 23 goals and registering six assists in 34 Premier League appearances. As a result, Isak was named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season, but he opted not to attend the ceremony to collect the accolade.
The ex-Real Sociedad star has now released a statement on Instagram to outline why he did not attend, as well as take aim at Newcastle by implying that promises behind the scenes at St James’ Park have not been adhered to.
He wrote: “I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25. First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there. 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.
“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. Alexander Isak.”
Isak will be keeping a close eye on the ongoings on Tyneside over the coming days, with Newcastle looking to sign at least one forward – and a second attacking arrival could prompt the club to allow him to depart. Brentford star Yoane Wissa and PSG’s Goncalo Ramos are among those being eyed.