BREAKING NEWS LIVE Liverpool have sanctioned a British record £130m move for Alexander Isak next week – confident that Newcastle will finally let the wantaway striker leave.

Sport | Football

Alexander Isak: Liverpool handed huge transfer boost as wantaway Newcastle striker issues brutal statement

Swedish international is currently on strike at his current club

Wants out: Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak has dropped a bombshell after the Newcastle striker issued a damning statement aimed at the club claiming that promises had been “broken”.

The Swedish international is being heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, and the forward is currently on strike at St James’ Park trying to force through a transfer.

The Reds have already seen an offer of £110million plus add-ons turned down by the Magpies, who are reported to be holding out for £150m.

Now, Isak himself has thrown another twist in the tale, delivering his own views on his current situation.

The striker snubbed an invitation to the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) awards gala in Manchester on Tuesday night, where Isak was named in the Team of the Season for his exploits last term.

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,” he wrote on Instagram.

“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.

“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.”

Isak scored 27 goals in 43 games in all competitions last season, and he did not feature in Newcastle’s opening day draw with Aston Villa, with Eddie Howe admitting that it would not have been appropriate to select him amid the swirling rumours about his future.

Newcastle responded to their striker late on Tuesday evening with an official club statement of their own.

We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” the Magpies said.

“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.”