Alexander Isak pushes for transfer after $150M Liverpool offer rejected

Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has received a boost after the player publicly asked to leave Newcastle United on Tuesday.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, Isak said that promises have been “broken” by Newcastle and “the relationship can’t continue” with his current club.

“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken,” Isak wrote. “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.”

This is the first time that Isak has been so open in his desire to leave the team, who he helped to a first trophy in 55 years just months earlier. This will likely strengthen Liverpool’s negotiating position but Newcastle remain keen to keep their star.

In a statement later on Tuesday, Newcastle said in response: “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.”

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