Alexander Isak’s Transfer Drama Heats Up as Liverpool Pursue Swedish Striker
The summer transfer window continues to simmer with drama, and at the center of it all is Alexander Isak. The Newcastle United forward appears determined to engineer a move to Liverpool, signaling a potential exit from Tyneside as tensions rise. With legal tools at his disposal and Newcastle’s transfer plans crumbling, Isak holds more power in the negotiations than many might expect.
Isak Makes His Intentions Clear
Alexander Isak has shown every sign that he wants out of Newcastle United this summer. After spending pre-season training with former club Real Sociedad rather than returning to St. James’ Park, the Swedish international has reportedly vowed never to play for the Magpies again—even if a transfer isn’t finalized before the window closes on September 1.
To further underline his stance, Isak is expected to skip the PFA Awards ceremony, where he was nominated for Players’ Player of the Year. While his contract runs until 2028, Isak’s actions, combined with growing transfer frustration at Newcastle, suggest he’s prepared to force the issue.
The Power of Article 17: A Legal Loophole?
A pivotal piece in this saga is FIFA’s Article 17, a regulation that could significantly strengthen Isak’s position. The rule, established in 2004, allows players to unilaterally terminate their contracts under certain conditions, typically after a three-year “protected period” has passed.
Football journalist Gabriele Marcotti recently explained in an ESPN column that invoking Article 17—especially after an October 2024 legal decision that removed key procedural obstacles—could allow Isak to leave on a free transfer as early as next summer. That looming possibility may pressure Newcastle to accept a transfer now rather than risk losing him for far less later.
Should Isak choose that route, Newcastle would be entitled to compensation. However, it would likely amount to just £50–60 million, a steep drop from the £110 million Liverpool reportedly offered earlier in the window. That financial disparity, plus the potential delay caused by legal appeals, could make selling now the smarter play for the Magpies.
Newcastle’s Nightmare Window
For Newcastle, the timing couldn’t be worse. After a top-five Premier League finish and Carabao Cup glory last season, the Magpies were expected to strengthen ahead of a Champions League campaign. Instead, they’ve lost ground in the striker market—missing out on Benjamin Šeško and Hugo Ekitiké—and now face the real possibility of losing their top forward without a replacement lined up.
Liverpool, meanwhile, remain interested and could return with a renewed offer. But with the window ticking down, Isak’s camp appears to be using every available tool—including the threat of Article 17—to accelerate the move.
What’s Next?
Whether or not Article 17 is officially triggered, the mere threat of its use gives Isak leverage. Newcastle are now faced with a difficult decision: hold firm and risk losing him for less—or cash in now and attempt to rebuild.
As deadline day approaches, all eyes will be on Tyneside. One thing is clear: Alexander Isak is no longer content to wait, and he’s playing this transfer game with sharp strategy and legal awareness.
