Isak appeared destined to emulate Shearer’s legacy at Newcastle United.
During the previous season, Isak emerged as the club’s second-highest Premier League goal scorer behind Shearer. He also netted the decisive goal in the Carabao Cup final, ending The Magpies’ 70-year wait for silverware.
His final appearance of the 2024/25 season saw Newcastle secure a Champions League berth, signaling a high point for both the club and player.
However, what looked promising quickly deteriorated over the summer.
Following Liverpool’s public declaration of interest in the Swedish striker, Isak has opted out of all club activities—refusing to train or feature in matches, including pre-season fixtures and last weekend’s Premier League opener at Aston Villa.
He also skipped the PFA Awards, despite being named in the Team of the Year. On Tuesday night, Isak broke his silence through a social media statement.
Alexander Isak statement
The striker wrote: “I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. 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.”
Alan Shearer responds to Alexander Isak and his agent
Newcastle responded firmly, signaling no intention to sell Isak and indicating he could still return to the squad. Nevertheless, a swift reconciliation seems improbable—especially with the transfer window still open.
Club icon Alan Shearer didn’t hold back, directing his frustration toward Isak’s agent, Vlado Lemic.
“I mean, oh my God, what a ——- mess his agent has made of this, honestly,” Shearer said, via Mail Online.
“If I was him, I’d get his agent in a room and sack him on the spot immediately, because he is meant to be giving him the advice to sign that six‑year deal and there’s no get‑out clause.”
“I mean, it’s ridiculous. And to take anyone’s word in football… it’s nonsensical to say that someone said, ‘Oh, I’ll be able to get out at the end of the season.’ Really? I mean, come on.”
Shearer went on: “I’ve always said there are two sides to every story, but my feelings are exactly the same: he’s gone about it in the wrong way.”
“I just think even releasing this statement last night has thrown flames onto the fire, which he didn’t need to do.”
“I get that we needed to hear his side of the story, and we’ve heard that now, and I’m not saying I don’t believe him or I don’t believe Newcastle, I’m just saying it’s very, very messy for him and for the football club. It doesn’t benefit anyone.”
Newcastle are set to face Liverpool at St James’ Park on Monday for their first home match of the new Premier League season—though it’s expected they’ll do so without Isak.