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Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has publicly backed his Sweden teammate Alexander Isak following the forward’s record-breaking £125 million transfer to Liverpool, while addressing the growing debate over player power in modern football.
Speaking to Sky Sports News during Sweden’s training camp ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Kosovo, Gyokeres revealed he congratulated Isak on his high-profile move, a British transfer record, though admitted they had spoken only briefly.
“I haven’t spoken with him too much because he just came [to camp]. I said hi to him and congratulated him for the move, and not much more,” Gyokeres said.
Isak’s switch from Newcastle United was clouded in controversy after the 25-year-old refused to join the club’s pre-season tour and accused the Magpies of “broken promises.” The saga drew sharp criticism, with angry supporters branding him a “rat” on banners outside St James’ Park. Newcastle’s terse 37-word farewell statement further underlined the fractured relationship.
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Gyokeres, who forced his own £55.5 million move from Sporting CP to Arsenal earlier this summer by going on strike, defended Isak and challenged the narrative that players hold excessive sway in transfer negotiations.
“When it’s a player that is not wanted in that club I think it’s the total opposite, He doesn’t have any power, the club can literally do whatever they want with the player” 💬
Viktor Gyokeres was asked about player power in the transfer market pic.twitter.com/fZGLRgFh8P
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 2, 2025
“When it’s a player that is not wanted in a club, I think it’s the total opposite. He doesn’t have any power, the club can literally do whatever they want,” he argued. “The clubs have the most power, and it’s maybe difficult for the players to choose in a lot of cases.”
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The debate over player influence has been a recurring theme this summer, with Isak, Gyokeres, and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa all accused of leveraging strikes or refusal to train to secure transfers.
Pundits such as Jamie Carragher have been critical, contrasting their actions with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who was praised for his professionalism despite a failed move to Liverpool.
Looking ahead to international duty, the Arsenal forward expressed excitement about rekindling his strike partnership with Isak for Sweden. “We’ve played a few games together and felt very good in those games. He’s scored, I’ve scored, and we’ve assisted each other,” Gyokeres said.
With a combined 31 international goals, the duo’s chemistry could prove vital in Sweden’s push for World Cup qualification.
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