As Alexander Isak’s transfer dispute with Newcastle United goes public, Arsenal will be hoping the saga drags on for a while longer.
After weeks of media reports on Alexander Isak and Newcastle United’s dispute over whether he’ll be allowed to leave the club for Liverpool this summer, both parties went public with statements on Tuesday night.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,” Isak wrote on Instagram. “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 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.”
“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” Newcastle responded in a statement on their website.
“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.
“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.”
Aside from Newcastle’s official statement, Luke Edwards of The Telegraph reported that the club continue to insist Isak isn’t for sale, that they won’t be bullied, and they won’t back down.
Craig Hope added for the Daily Mail that in light of Isak’s statement, Newcastle now have no intention of letting him leave. They would have explored a sale if they’d landed their alternative striker targets, but he’ll now be told he’s staying.
It seems exceedingly unlikely that any resolution between the two parties will be reached before Newcastle’s match against Liverpool next Monday, August 25th. Not least because a sale before then would see Isak debuting against his old team at their home ground.
Beyond that match, Arsenal fans will be hoping the saga drags on a while longer.
Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday, August 31st. As it stands, it doesn’t look as though Isak will be involved for Arne Slot’s side that day.
The Gunners then take on Newcastle United on Sunday, September 28th. If Isak has signed for Liverpool, he won’t play in that game either. If not, he might still be on strike against his current club.
Given Isak’s strong performances against Arsenal in recent seasons, it would certainly be helpful if he’s not involved in either of those fixtures.