'This is our decision': Journalist now says what PIF are saying about Alexander Isak's Newcastle United future
Alexander Isak is still training separately from his Newcastle United teammates as the rebellious forward tries to engineer a move away from the club.
The 25-year-old managed to get a rise out of the club on Tuesday night after posting a statement on social media in which he played the victim and said that a move is now his only option.
The club responded by reminding him that he's under contract for another three years and they have a valuation that no club has met, and that they think nobody will.
Many have interpreted what the club has said to mean that they're going to keep Isak at the club even if an offer comes in close to their £150 million valuation.
ESPN journalist says the PIF are calling the shots regarding Alexander Isak
ESPN's Julien Laurens has now confirmed to Sky Sports that this is the case, saying that the decisions are being made on Isak's future by the PIF, not Newcastle United.
“I still can’t see him leaving,” he said.
“I was told that the decision was taken way above the club, right over in Saudi Arabia, when they’re saying like, listen, it’s our price or no price.
“If people don’t pay what we want he’s staying. He’s got three years left on his contract, whether he’s happy or not. He can sit in the stands all season long, this is our decision.”
Alexander Isak could be set for a long, boring season
Newcastle United's credo since the 2021 takeover has always been that they will not be bullied, and the PIF are making sure that remains he case, now including their own players in that rather than just other clubs.
We love the statement, and we love the idea that we'd keep Isak away from the club all season just to spite him, but the reality is, he's going to cost the club money whether he plays or not, and while the PIF can afford to let that happen, Newcastle United can't due to PSR.
There's still over a week of the transfer window to go, anything could still happen, but the PIF are seemingly adamant it's £150 million or he stays put.
