
EPL Index
·20 August 2025
Sweden boss defends Isak as Newcastle reject Liverpool’s approach

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·20 August 2025
Newcastle United’s summer has been overshadowed by Alexander Isak’s determination to leave. Despite assurances earlier in the year that the Swede would only be sold for an astronomical fee, the striker has pressed his case, citing broken promises and a breakdown of trust with the club.
Liverpool’s interest, underlined by a £110 million bid, has only intensified speculation about the striker’s future. Newcastle rejected the offer, dropping Isak from their squad in the process to make clear that no player is bigger than the club. The saga has divided opinion across the footballing world, with some criticising Isak’s stance while others point to the complexity of modern football politics.
Photo: IMAGO
Isak’s international manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson, has given strong backing to his star forward. Speaking to fotbollskanalen, Tomasson said: “First of all Alex is an extremely professional player. A fantastic character and personality. I have spoken to Alex a lot during this period.
“Situations like this are quite complex. These are extremely complex environments that the players operate in. I’m sure it will work out in the end, but you have to know the whole picture before you draw conclusions. That’s always a good tip.”
Tomasson continued: “I don’t think we know it. I don’t know the whole picture either. It’s quite normal because there’s a lot of politics in a football club. But one thing is for sure: Alex is a great guy and very professional. We should all be very careful about drawing conclusions because we don’t know the bigger picture.”
The striker has not been shy in voicing his anger. Reports suggest he informed Newcastle twice of his wish to leave, doing so before the end of last season to allow the club time to plan. On Instagram, he posted: “Promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time…” before adding, “When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Such statements underline his conviction that his future lies elsewhere, and while Newcastle are holding firm, their pursuit of attacking replacements such as Wolves’ Jorgen Strand Larsen and potential interest in Ollie Watkins and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson suggest preparations are being made.
Liverpool’s offer has demonstrated that elite clubs are prepared to test Newcastle’s resolve. For Isak, the chance to play in the Champions League for one of Europe’s most iconic clubs remains a huge lure. Newcastle, however, are fighting to maintain their standing and cannot afford to be seen as a selling club, especially to a direct rival.
Liverpool fans will be buzzing with expectation at this development. A £110 million bid shows serious intent, and supporters know that a striker of Isak’s calibre could transform Arne Slot’s attack. With the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, the need for a forward capable of carrying both goals and responsibility has never been more urgent.
Some fans will view Newcastle’s stance as posturing. Dropping a star player to prove a point can backfire, particularly if the dressing room begins to fracture. Isak’s comments about broken promises only fuel suspicion that there is more behind the scenes than has been revealed.
Others will be sceptical. £110 million is a huge investment and Liverpool’s squad has other pressing needs, particularly in midfield depth and defensive cover. Committing so much to one player could be seen as a gamble, even for a forward as gifted as Isak.
Newcastle supporters, meanwhile, will feel both betrayed and disappointed. A player once seen as central to the club’s project is now openly pushing to leave, and that undermines confidence. If Isak departs, the Magpies must replace him with proven quality, not just potential.
This story is far from over, and fans across the Premier League will be watching closely. Will Isak get his wish and secure a move to Anfield, or will Newcastle stand firm and demand loyalty from a striker who feels the bond has already been broken?
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