Alexander Isak has gone on strike at Newcastle in a bid to force through a transfer to Liverpool, with the Swedish forward having not featured for the Magpies in their opening two Premier League fixtures
Alexander Isak points on the pitch
Newcastle United's Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a transfer to Liverpool
(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Alexander Isak could, in theory, terminate his Newcastle contract and join Liverpool on a free transfer due to a loophole in FIFA's regulations.
The Swedish forward has been on Liverpool's radar since early summer, but the club's £110million offer was turned down, prompting Isak to go on strike in protest.
Isak has levelled accusations of "broken promises" against Newcastle regarding a transfer, yet the club has retorted by stating there was no pledge to sell him during this window.
The two teams faced off at St James' Park on Monday evening, where Liverpool clinched a hard-fought 3-2 victory in the dying moments thanks to teenager Rio Ngumoha, with Isak notably absent from the squad.
Manager Eddie Howe and club captain Bruno Guimaraes have both expressed their desire for a swift resolution to the ongoing transfer drama so that the team can concentrate on the upcoming season.
With the transfer deadline looming, all attention is now on Isak following his 'crisis talks' with the club's hierarchy on Tuesday, during which he reaffirmed his wish to move to Liverpool this summer, reports the Mirror.
Speculation abounds as to whether Isak might choose the drastic measure of cancelling his Newcastle contract to facilitate a cost-free switch to Liverpool, although such an action would likely incur significant penalties under FIFA's stringent regulations.
Alexander Isak and Virgil van Dijk compete for the ball
Isak is angling for a move to Liverpool and has gone on strike
The rules stipulate that a footballer may face suspension from all football-related activities should they rip up their deal "without just cause" during a safeguarded timeframe of three years for those aged under 28.
Given that Isak is currently 25, his protection window concludes on August 26, 2025 - marking three years since his £63m arrival on a six-year agreement.
Theoretically, this suggests Isak could void his contract without facing FIFA sanctions, as reported by Four Four Two. However, the publication notes it would be anything but straightforward for Isak to pursue such action, as English contract law principles would remain in force.
Whilst Isak couldn't be compelled to turn out for Newcastle, a court order could be secured preventing him from featuring elsewhere. The Magpies would similarly be entitled to pursue financial compensation from the striker for contractual breach.
In 2014, ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra cancelled his agreement with Lokomotiv Moscow and subsequently received a 15-month football ban. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) additionally instructed the player to pay £8.5m in damages to the Russian outfit.
Isak's destiny may also hinge on whether Newcastle secure fresh attacking reinforcements. Two offers for Brentford's Yoane Wissa have been turned down, whilst a £50m approach for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen was similarly rebuffed.