Alexander Isak Refuses to Play for Newcastle Amid Transfer Turmoil
Alexander Isak stands firm in his refusal to play for Newcastle after contract promises are broken, amidst high transfer bids.
Key Points
- • Isak has declared this season will be his last at Newcastle after unfulfilled contract promises.
- • Newcastle rejected a £110 million offer from Liverpool; a sale is only considered for around £150 million.
- • Head coach Eddie Howe states Isak cannot play if not committed to the team, leading to his expected absence from the opener.
- • Isak has communicated his desire to leave to the coach on multiple occasions before the last season ended.
Alexander Isak, the Swedish forward, has made headlines with his steadfast refusal to play for Newcastle United this season, following the club's failure to secure a promised new contract. Despite finishing a previous season with positive prospects, Isak has declared that the 2024/2025 season will be his last at St James's Park, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic departure amid significant transfer speculation.
Recent reports indicate that Newcastle has rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool, significantly upper listing Isak’s potential transfer fee at around £150 million. This figure would mark Isak as the most expensive Swedish player in history if a deal goes through. Head coach Eddie Howe has commented on the situation, stating that Isak cannot be included in team selections at this time, and he is encouraging players who wish to commit to the team.
Isak's determination to leave Newcastle was made clear to Howe on two separate occasions before the end of the previous season, signaling his plans for the future with a firm stance. Despite various interpretations of Isak's situation, including differing reports from Newcastle sources, the player’s resolve to not play this season remains unchanged. As Isak has not found a new club since the transfer window closed, he is expected to miss the upcoming Premier League opener against Aston Villa, further complicating his professional engagements this season.
Adding to the tensions, last summer, Isak was told that he would not receive a new contract due to the club's financial constraints, which seem to have fueled his decision to exit. The rejection of Liverpool’s initial offer for Isak leaves many speculating about his future, although this transfer saga continues to unfold with no immediate resolution in sight. Isak’s current situation raises questions about Newcastle's strategy moving forward and how they will address the growing discontent among players.