In what appeared to be a response to Alexander Isak’s stunning statement, Newcastle’s club captain Bruno Guimaraes shared an Instagram post five minutes later on Tuesday night.
The wantaway striker finally broke his silence with a message on his Instagram story, saying: ‘When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship cannot continue.’
The message left furious Newcastle fans in no doubt about the Swede’s feelings over his future and desire to move to Liverpool, though he did not specifically mention the Reds.
But there was some light in the gloom for the Magpies as skipper Guimaraes appeared to hit back, or at least share his pride in the shirt.
He shared an image of himself in a Newcastle top, with a club flag in the background, arms folded and looking defiant.
The Brazilian has long been a fan favourite and is regarded as the embodiment of supporters’ values.
Bruno Guimaraes posted this image just five minutes after Alexander Isak’s statement
Isak wrote this message, breaking his silence for the first time on the transfer saga
There is of course a chance that the cryptic post had nothing to do with Isak’s statement put out just minutes before, though it seems unlikely.
The transfer saga has been rolling on all summer but now appears to be coming to a head.
Isak was due to attend the PFA awards on Tuesday night but opted not to go, instead breaking his silence on Instagram.
His statement read: ‘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.
‘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,’ he said.
‘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.’
‘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.
Isak, pictured here last season with Eddie Howe, says trust is broken between him and the club
‘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.’
Newcastle have tried and failed numerous times this summer to sign strikers that would facilitate Isak leaving the club.
With less than two weeks to go in the transfer window, it will be fascinating to see if Liverpool use this latest development to come in with a second offer for Isak.
If the Magpies are unable to get forward additions over the line, they risk Isak continuing to strike and cast a long shadow over the club – though some may feel in time he could reintegrate with Eddie Howe’s men.
Clearly, for that to happen, bridges with team-mates would also have to be rebuilt that may now be irreparably broken.
