Alexander Isak could potentially terminate his contract with Newcastle and join Liverpool on a free transfer due to a loophole in FIFA's regulations, as per recent reports. Liverpool has shown interest in the player for this summer's transfer window, but their £110million bid was turned down, leading to Isak going on strike over his failed move.
The striker accused Newcastle of "broken promises" regarding a transfer, but the club hit back by stating they never assured him of a sale in this transfer window. Both teams faced off at St James' Park on Monday night, where Liverpool clinched a thrilling 3-2 victory in the final minute thanks to young talent Rio Ngumoha, while Isak remained absent from the squad.
There is speculation about whether Isak might choose the 'nuclear option' and terminate his Newcastle contract to facilitate a free transfer to Liverpool, although FIFA rules suggest players would face harsh penalties for taking such a drastic step.
The rules stipulate that a player could face a ban from all football activities if they terminate their contract "without just cause" within a protected period of three years for players under the age of 28.
Given that Isak is 25, his protected period ended on 26 August 2025 - three years after signing for £63m on a six-year deal.
In theory, this means Isak could end the contract without any penalty from FIFA, as per Four Four Two. However, the report suggests it wouldn't be straightforward for Isak to take such steps because English contract law principles would still apply.
While Isak wouldn't be compelled to play for Newcastle, a legal injunction could be secured that stops him from playing elsewhere. Newcastle would also be entitled to seek damages from the player for breach of contract.
Back in 2014, ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Lassana Diarra terminated his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow and was banned from football for 15 months. The player was also instructed to pay £8.5m in compensation to the Russian club by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Isak's future could also hinge on whether Newcastle manage to sign a new striker. They have had two offers turned down for Brentford's Yoane Wissa and also saw a £50m bid rejected for Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen.