Viktor Gyokeres shares ‘player power’ verdict after Alexander Isak’s £125m Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak’s international teammate, Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, has shared his thoughts on the events that preceded the forward’s deadline day move to Liverpool.
Liverpool agreed a £125million fee for Isak and confirmed the 25-year-old’s arrival from Newcastle United on deadline day.
The announcement marked the end of a saga that has raged on for much of the summer, with the player going on strike to force through a move to the Premier League champions.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush sent Isak a message after the signing had been confirmed, with the Swede taking the Reds record scorer’s famous number nine shirt.
It was almost a deadline day double for Arne Slot, but Liverpool’s late move for Marc Guehi fell through in the final minutes.
Viktor Gyokeres shares verdict on ‘player power’ after Alexander Isak transfer
Newcastle United fans have been unhappy with Isak for his behaviour this summer.
The Swede claimed that he had made an agreement with the Magpies before the summer, that he would be allowed to leave the club for a fair price.
But once it became clear that Newcastle would not respect that agreement, Isak went on strike and refused to train or play for Eddie Howe’s team.
Gyokeres, who plays with the striker for the Sweden national team, found himself in a similar position when attempting to push through his transfer to Arsenal.
Isak to Liverpool timeline:
- 24 July – Isak is left out of Newcastle’s pre-season tour squad and demands move to Liverpool.
- 1 August – Newcastle rejected opening Liverpool bid for Isak.
- 4 August – Isak trains away from Newcastle squad.
- 19 August – Isak releases public statement speaking of broken promises.
- 1 September – Liverpool agree fee for Isak.
The 27-year-old was said to have a gentleman’s agreement with Sporting CP that would allow him to leave for £59m, but the Portuguese club refused to honour it once the Gunners entered negotiations.
Like Isak, Gyokeres went on strike, and eventually was also granted the move he wanted.
The striker told Sky Sports News that it is in fact the clubs who hold all of the power in situations such as his and Isak’s.
“We all play and I think the clubs have the most power,” Gyokeres explained.
“And yeah, it’s maybe difficult for the players to choose in a lot of cases and when it’s a player that’s not wanted in a club, I think it’s the total opposite, you know.
| Liverpool 2025/26 | Transfer fees |
| Spent | £446.5m |
| Received | £228.1m |
“And he doesn’t have any power and the club can literally do whatever they want with the players, so yeah, it’s difficult, but it’s how the situation is.”
Marc Guehi saga provides alternative perspective
There is a lot of sense to what Gyokeres is saying – clubs are often seen to be well within their rights to banish a player from the first team if they are to be sold.
So why should a player not respond in a similar way if the shoe is on the other foot? Unlike Isak and Gyokeres, Guehi remained professional this summer, and did not agitate for a move to Liverpool.
As a result, the defender was denied the move he desired. The events of the summer will likely provide plenty of food for thought for players in similar situations going forward.
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