2 days ago
6
Virgil van Dijk maintains that Alexander Isak ranks amongst the most challenging opponents he has faced, as Liverpool continues to monitor the Newcastle striker - who has delivered a bombshell statement regarding his future.
The Swedish forward is pushing for a departure from St. James' Park and has declared he will no longer represent the club. This would represent a devastating setback for the Magpies, given Isak's pivotal role in their recent achievements.
He netted against Van Dijk and Liverpool when Newcastle secured Carabao Cup glory last season - their first domestic silverware in 70 years. Isak also scored in a Premier League stalemate with the Reds, meaning he has struck four times against the Merseysiders across six encounters.
This caliber has clearly impressed Van Dijk, who was questioned about the most formidable strikers he has encountered in the Premier League. Whether he was deliberately praising Isak remains uncertain, but he positioned the Swede amongst the elite.
Speaking to Cecil Thomas during a TikTok live stream, he said: "[Erling] Haaland, Isak, [Ollie] Watkins, Harry Kane. Speaking about the last couple of years in the Premier League, there are plenty. Everybody has a different challenge so I respect everyone playing in the Premier League because it's the hardest league in the world."
Isak was absent from the PFA Awards ceremony in Manchester, though he earned selection in the Premier League Team of the Year following a vote by his fellow professionals after an outstanding campaign for Newcastle.
Only Mohamed Salah managed more goals than the Swede, who used Tuesday evening to finally speak out.
The forward declared: "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."
Newcastle has already turned down a Liverpool approach worth approximately $150 million (£110 million) and are insisting on a substantially higher valuation.
Nevertheless, the Magpies maintained its position that its star striker will not be sold.
Isak is understood to be frustrated after assurances regarding a contract review were subsequently withdrawn, and he's now insisting he should be permitted to depart.
He stated: "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 followed up with a statement of its own, publicly declaring: "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."
English (US) ·