Newcastle team captain Bruno Guimaraes has posted a cryptic photo online after teammate Alexander Isak dropped a bombshell statement on Tuesday evening.
The want-away striker, who scored 23 league goals last term, has made his feelings clear to the Magpies on his desire to leave the club and join Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.
Arne Slot’s side submitted a £110million bid for the Swede at the start of the month, deemed unacceptable by Newcastle, but have not yet returned to the table with another bid.
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Eddie Howe’s side refuse to entertain offers below £150m and, before that, they must sign an adequate replacement for the 25-year-old, which is something they have encountered trouble with this summer.
Alexander Isak released a statement condemning his employers and demanding a move away
| PABut it was Tuesday night when tensions boiled over as Isak was named in the 2024/25 Premier League Team of the Season and released a statement on his Instagram story confirming he would not be attending the event.
The former Real Sociedad striker astonishingly claimed that “promises are broken and trust is lost” between himself and the club, and why “change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself”.
Guimaraes, who is one of the captains at St James’ Park and takes the armband when on the pitch, has posted a cryptic and defiant photo on his Instagram story amid the ongoing saga.
JUST IN: Alexander Isak releases astonishing statement in latest bid to force Liverpool transfer
Newcastle skipper Bruno Guimaraes posted the defiant photo on his story after Alexander Isak released his statement
|The photo shows the Brazilian, who has quickly become an iconic figure on Tyneside, proudly wearing his Newcastle shirt, looking down the camera and could signify a defiant message meant for his wantaway team-mate.
Guimaraes is not alone in taking to social media to send a clear message to Isak, with Newcastle releasing an official statement.
“We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening,” the statement read. “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.
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“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.
“This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel.
“Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates.”
Newcastle are expected to complete a deal for Brentford striker Yoanne Wissa, who is also on strike at the Gtech Community Stadium, before the end of the window.
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Despite the arrival of the 28-year-old, who scored 19 Premier League goals last term, he is not viewed as an adequate replacement.
The Brentford striker turns 29 two days after the transfer window closes and is viewed as a short-term solution for the long-term problem of Isak’s departure.
The Magpies had registered strong interest in talents Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, but all targets ended up choosing alternative Premier League clubs.
The Isak saga remains unsolved and shows no sign of a solution anytime soon.