Overview

• Alexander Isak issued a public statement saying he wants to leave and accusing Newcastle of breaking promises he says were made privately.
• Newcastle responded that the conditions for a sale this summer have not transpired and are not expected to, with reports placing their valuation near £150m.
• Liverpool’s opening offer of about £110m was rejected, and Arne Slot reiterated the club will only sign if the fee, position and player desire all align.
• Isak has trained away from the first team after skipping the pre-season tour and has not featured in friendlies, with reports he is refusing to play as social media footage showed fans directing abuse at him.
• Media analysis has floated FIFA’s Article 17 as a possible route next summer that could allow a unilateral exit with compensation later, as the transfer window countdown and Monday’s Newcastle–Liverpool match heighten short‑term pressure.