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Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan had a decisive role in the club's decision to release a statement claiming it does not expect to sell star forward Alexander Isak this summer.
The saga involving the Swedish striker and Newcastle took another twist on Wednesday, after Isak broke his silence via an Instagram story where he claimed promises made to him had been broken. The 25-year-old is adamant that he wants to leave Newcastle, seemingly for Liverpool.
That then prompted Newcastle to release an official club statement, where the club claimed it had been caught off guard by Isak's social media post and that it did not expect to sell him this summer.
And Al-Rumayyan likely played a key role in Newcastle's decision to stand firm over its star striker.
Earlier this year, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, had instructed Newcastle bosses on Tyneside that Isak was not to be sold at any price.
Al-Rumayyan is said to be a huge fan of the Swedish striker, who scored 23 Premier League goals last term for the Magpies as they qualified for the Champions League for the second time in three seasons.
Previously, Liverpool made a bid for Isak this summer, offering £110 million ($149 million).
Newcastle swiftly rejected the bid. It is thought the club's asking price for Isak is £150 million ($204 million).
Posting on Instagram, Isak 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."
He continued: "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."
That then prompted Newcastle's response, which read: "We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening. 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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