The relationship between Swedish striker Alexander Isak and Newcastle United entered a stage of open tension after the player released a strongly worded statement on Instagram, declaring a complete breakdown of trust with the club’s management and stressing that “change is in everyone’s best interest.”
In his statement, Isak described: "I've kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken," he wrote.
"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."
In a later statement, a "disappointed" Newcastle responded: "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.
"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."