Wantaway Newcastle star Alexander Isak has been spotted arriving at Newcastle’s training ground alone – less than 24 hours after he accused the club of ‘broken promises’ in a bombshell statement.
Isak has gone on strike to force a move to Liverpool after the Magpies rejected a £110million bid and is refusing to train or play for Eddie Howe‘s side.
The Swedish star on Tuesday broke his silence on the saga, claiming ‘trust is lost’ and the relationship with the club ‘can’t continue’ in an inflammatory post on social media.
Newcastle then hit back with their own statement warning the 25-year-old they had no intention of selling him, with Isak still in limbo.
The likelihood of Isak leaving decreased further on Wednesday when Brentford rejected a £40millon bid from the Magpies for Yoane Wissa, deemed one of the potential replacements for the Swedish striker.
Brentford had turned down Newcastle’s opening offer of £30m and the belief this window has been that they value him at £50m.
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Alexander Isak on Wednesday was spotted arriving at Newcastle’s training ground
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The striker accused Newcastle of broken promises in a bombshell statement on Tuesday
Wissa has deleted all references to Brentford on his Instagram account, and unfollowed them, in a sign of his desire to leave
Newcastle 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 on Tuesday night was 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 and their stance has hardened after the release of the player’s 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.
Isak’s behaviour has been blasted by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, who hit out at the star’s ‘nonsensical’ statement and called for him to sack his agent.
Shearer told Betfair: ‘Oh my God, what a f***ing mess his agent has made of this, honestly.
‘If I was him, I’d get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six‑year deal (in 2022, until 2028) and there’s no get‑out clause.
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Isak was ‘nonsensical’ releasing his statement and should sack his agent, says Alan Shearer
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‘I mean, it’s ridiculous. And to take anyone’s word in football… it’s nonsensical to say that someone said, “Oh, I’ll be able to get out at the end of the season.” Really? I mean, come on.
‘Newcastle have also released a statement saying that promises were not broken, or promises were never made. I’ve always said there are two sides to every story, but my feelings are exactly the same: he’s gone about it in the wrong way.’
‘It’s not a good look on a player or an agent to not go out and train and not go out and play when you have a contract behind you. It’s not a good look and it’s not a good thing to do.
‘Last night’s statement hasn’t done him any favours whatsoever in terms of trying to get Newcastle onside or forcing them into a decision, I think they’ll just go the opposite way.
‘If he were to apologise and get back into the group before the end of the transfer window, then there would be a way back for him (without apologising). But if he’s still here after the transfer window, I can’t see how you come back from that. He clearly wants to get out and is willing to do anything to do that.’
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.
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Newcastle have had a £40m bid rejected by Brentford for Yoane Wissa
Isak’s statement – his first public comment on the saga – read: ‘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.’
Newcastle later responded by insisting the conditions for Isak to be sold ‘have not been met’.
‘We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,’ the club said. ‘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. 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.’
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