Seemingly in reaction to Alexander Isak’s dramatic announcement, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes uploaded an Instagram story five minutes later on Tuesday evening.

The unsettled striker finally ended his silence with a post on Instagram, declaring: “When commitments are broken and trust disappears, the relationship cannot continue.”

That statement left furious Newcastle supporters in little doubt about the Swede’s intentions regarding his future and ambition to join Liverpool, even though the club was not directly named.

However, there was a glimmer of positivity for the Magpies as skipper Guimaraes appeared to respond, or at least show his loyalty and pride in the shirt.

He uploaded a photo of himself wearing a Newcastle jersey, standing defiantly with folded arms, while a club flag provided the backdrop.

The Brazilian midfielder has always been adored by the fanbase and is widely seen as the symbol of their values on and off the pitch.

Of course, there remains the possibility the post was unrelated to Isak’s statement just minutes earlier, though few would consider that scenario believable.

The ongoing transfer saga has stretched through the summer but now seems to be reaching its climax.

Isak had been scheduled to attend the PFA awards on Tuesday evening but chose not to, instead addressing fans through Instagram.

His statement read: “I’ve stayed quiet for too long while others have spoken. That silence allowed people to push their own narrative, even though it doesn’t reflect what was actually agreed behind closed doors.

“I’m honoured to be recognised by my fellow professionals with inclusion in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year for 2024/25,” he added.

“Above all, I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me throughout my time here.

“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to attend.”

“The truth is that promises were made and the club has known my stance for months. To act as though these issues are only surfacing now is misleading.

“When commitments are broken and trust is lost, the relationship cannot continue. That is where things stand for me now, and why change is best for everyone, not only myself.”

Newcastle have made repeated but unsuccessful attempts this summer to sign strikers that would make Isak’s exit possible.

With under two weeks remaining in the transfer market, it will be intriguing to see whether Liverpool respond with a second bid for the forward.

Should the Magpies fail to complete attacking signings, they risk Isak maintaining his strike and casting a heavy cloud over the squad – although some may argue he could eventually be reintegrated by Eddie Howe.

For such an outcome, however, bridges with fellow players would need repairing – ones that may already be beyond repair.