Newcastle United are certainly not the biggest fans of their former striker Alexander Isak. He may have helped them end their 70-year trophy drought last season in the Carabao Cup, but his decision to force a move to Liverpool has not gone down well with management and fans alike.
Nevertheless, Isak has finally got his wish after months of speculation and reported hostility behind the scenes. The Geordie team took to X on Monday night with a confirmation of the news, announcing that the deal included “a significant British record transfer fee:”
Following the announcement, Isak’s odds to secure top goalscorer in the English Premier League (EPL) this season halved to +700. They were previously +1400 when he was still a Newcastle player, although he hasn’t appeared for the Magpies in their first three games of the season. It was also reported that he wasn’t training with the team.
Newcastle’s web post announcing the transfer is telling of the situation. Listed as just a one-minute read, the article simply repeats the statement made in the above X post. The only other information provided is as follows: “The Sweden international joined the Magpies from Real Sociedad in 2022 and made 109 appearances in all competitions.”
promises were made”
Controversy over the situation with Isak reached its peak last month when he refused to appear at the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Awards. The striker, who won a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season, released a statement on Instagram in which he said “promises were made” by Newcastle, with owners having known his position “for a long time.”
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue,” Isak concluded.
Isak scored 23 goals in the previous Premier League season, finishing behind only Mohamed Salah (29 goals) in the top goalscorer list.
