2 days ago
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The Alexander Isak to Liverpool transfer saga took a dramatic turn on Tuesday after the Newcastle striker issued a statement on social media.
Isak was conspicuously missing from Newcastle's Premier League curtain-raiser against Aston Villa on Saturday, with the Magpies weighing up their options. The Swedish striker has overcome the groin problem that ruled him out of the preseason tour to the Far East, but he seems determined to secure a switch to Anfield before the summer transfer window closes on 1 September.
The 25-year-old seemed to hint in Tuesday's statement that pledges have been reneged upon behind closed doors. Newcastle has refuted this in its response to Isak's remarks.
And one particular line from Newcastle's reply has clearly outlined why Isak has yet to link up with Arne Slot's squad. "We have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired," the Magpies stated.
Perhaps more significantly, they added: "We do not foresee those conditions being met."
Naturally, with Liverpool set to face Newcastle in the Premier League on Monday, any switch to Merseyside is improbable to occur before then.
Newcastle has suffered a poor transfer window, having fallen short on several priority targets this summer, including Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike. That renders any Isak departure somewhat less probable for the time being.
St. James' Park could be in for a shock if the club's star striker is sold without a suitable replacement. After bagging a trophy and securing a Champions League spot, this summer was supposed to be when Eddie Howe's squad really stepped up.
However, every player has a price tag, and if Liverpool decides to up its initial £110 million ($148.4 million) bid, it could prove tempting for Newcastle. If the Reds want to complete this transfer as soon as possible, they must improve their offer.
All eyes are now on Liverpool's next move.
Isak said the following on Tuesday: "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."
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