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Newcastle's Alexander Isak has finally spoken out as his Liverpool transfer saga rumbles on. However, a clause in the 25-year-old's contract relating to former club Real Sociedad could complicate matters further.
The Swedish striker made his intentions clear last month that he wished to explore opportunities away from St James' Park. Whilst the Reds did table a $148 million offer, this fell short of Newcastle's asking price.
A deadlock has emerged, with Isak refusing to turn out for the club. The Magpies maintain he is not for sale and say he will stay on Tyneside unless a suitable bid arrives.
On Tuesday, Isak broke his silence for the first time since the controversy erupted, addressing his absence from the Professional Footballers' Association's awards ceremony. Newcastle delivered a pointed response, as the prospect of a deal with Liverpool hangs in the balance, though a sell-on clause written into his contract could further muddy the waters.
Isak's statement on Tuesday was scathing, and with the standoff becoming increasingly toxic, the star forward – who has been training separately from Newcastle's first team – claimed that the club had gone back on assurances made to him.
"I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken," wrote Isak. "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."
However, securing Isak's signature would prove far from straightforward. The Reds' $148M offer was promptly dismissed, with the striker reportedly valued at an eye-watering $200M. It appears a British record transfer fee would be required to bring him to Anfield.
Complicating matters further is a sell-on clause included in Isak's deal when he switched to Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022. The Swedish international arrived on Tyneside for $84M, with a 10 per cent capital gains clause built into the arrangement, reports the Mirror.
Consequently, the Spanish club would receive that proportion of any profit from Isak's eventual departure. Were he to move for $200M, for instance, Real Sociedad would pocket $11.6M.
This clause could prompt Newcastle to seek an even steeper fee for Isak, potentially forcing Liverpool to pay additional funds to ensure the Magpies receive a final figure they deem acceptable.
Based on their response to Isak's public statement, Newcastle themselves appear unconvinced a transfer will materialise this window. The club's statement reads: "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 team-mates."
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