Alexander Isak is pushing for a blockbuster move to Liverpool this summer, and Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe has broken his silence with a shocking statement about the striker’s future – a sign that Liverpool are closing in on his signature.
Howe admitted he had already discussed Isak’s future with him at the end of last season, but stopped short of confirming that he would allow the Swedish star to leave. Isak himself previously claimed that Newcastle had promised to let him go if a suitable offer arrived.
Currently, Isak is training alone at Newcastle while forcing through a transfer to Anfield. Liverpool tabled a £110m bid, which Newcastle rejected. Howe has repeatedly insisted he wants to keep the forward, despite the pressure being applied. Earlier this week, Isak dropped a bombshell statement accusing the club of breaking their word.
“I have stayed silent for a long time while others have spoken,” Isak said. “That silence has allowed people to tell their own version, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was actually said and agreed behind closed doors.
“The truth is that promises were made, and Newcastle have known my position for a long time. Acting now as if these issues have only just come up is wrong. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship cannot continue.”
Liverpool are now believed to be edging closer to striking a deal for the Swedish international.
Newcastle, however, hit back at Isak, denying that any official at the club had ever promised he could leave this summer. Howe later admitted that he had indeed spoken to the striker at the end of last season but refused to clarify whether he was aware of Isak’s wish to move on.
“Yes, I had conversations with Isak at the end of the season,” Howe told reporters ahead of Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool on August 26. “Yes, I won’t sit here and deny that.
“I’ve always said private conversations are best kept private. We talked at the end of the season, but I also speak to Isak pretty much every day. That’s nothing unusual.”
Howe confirmed that Isak will not feature for Newcastle against Liverpool, hinting that the saga could be over soon.
“Isak won’t be in the squad this weekend,” Howe added. “The club has to act in the best interests of Newcastle United. That’s what we’ll do in every situation. It looks like this story is heading towards an end, or will be resolved very quickly. It’s a sad moment. I wish these things didn’t play out publicly.
“But the club had to speak out and that was the right thing to do. Isak is under contract here. He is our player. I want him back in the team 100%, but unfortunately he won’t play this weekend – and that’s disappointing.”