Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool from Newcastle United, but no offer has been forthcoming just yet from the Merseysiders, and the Magpies insist their wantaway player isn't for sale
Alexander Isak's attempts to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool took a somewhat bizarre turn on Thursday as the player's former club, Real Sociedad, confirmed he is training alone in the Basque country.
The Sweden international has asked Newcastle executives that he be allowed to explore a move away from St James’ Park, is desperate to join Liverpool. He has told Toon bosses that he only wants a move to Anfield, but no offer from the Premier League champions has yet been forthcoming.
Isak has not joined his Newcastle team-mates on their pre-season tour, an injury initially cited by the club before the truth about his keenness to depart was soon made crystal clear. It comes as Liverpool have sold Luis Diaz for £65m, a move which will help finance their push to sign the Newcastle striker.
Isak's former club Sociedad confirmed on Thursday he was “working with his trainers” at the club’s Zubieta facility, less than two weeks after he did not travel with Eddie Howe's side for their trip to Asia. The decision to train at his old club rather than his current one will only further heighten speculation around the player's future.
But, as yet, no offer has been submitted by Liverpool to Newcastle, who are keen on a deal worth £150m. The club's Saudi owners are understood to be keen to dig their heels in and extract the maximum value possible for last season's top scorer - who notched in the club's Carabao Cup Final win over Liverpool at Wembley.
But they face something of a balancing act as and when Liverpool come calling. Should Newcastle ultimately price Isak out of a move or simply refuse to listen to offers, then there is potential for Isak and his representatives to go for what has been described as the 'nuclear option' - unilaterally terminating his contract with three years remaining.
Isak initially joined Newcastle in a £63m deal on August 26, 2022, agreeing a six-year deal. He has since not signed a new contract on Tyneside.
A European Court of Justice ruling in favour of former Chelsea midfielder Lassana Diarra last year means players can now terminate their deals “without unnecessary fears”, according to the lawyer who led Diarra’s case. The ruling appears to have given players greater leeway to terminate a contract without just cause. The court found some of FIFA’s transfer rules were contrary to European law because they restricted freedom of movement and were anti-competitive.
Jean-Louis Dupont, who led Diarra’s challenge and who was also at the centre of the landmark Bosman case which granted players free agency at the end of their contracts, believes last year’s ruling lifts the threat of significant sanctions for players who choose to terminate their deals.
Dupont, speaking in general rather than specifically about Isak’s case, told the PA news agency: “In its Diarra judgement, the court ruled that players have a right to termination without just cause and that it is for the ex-employer to establish the existence and the quantum of damages, knowing that losing the opportunity to transfer the player is NOT a damage.
“According to the court, such termination cannot entail disciplinary sanctions (when effected in between seasons). FIFA has, imperfectly, amended its rules to abide by the court ruling. But the bottom line is that players have the right to terminate without unnecessary fears.”
Asked whether he thought players would now be free from the threat of sporting sanctions such as a ban for terminating their deals, Dupont added: “Yes. If not, the right to terminate, as granted by the court, would just be theoretical. But, apparently, FIFA is still resisting on this point.”
Following the ECJ ruling, FIFA opened a global dialogue on its transfer rules and issued amended, interim rules just before Christmas last year. The world players’ union FIFPRO immediately pushed back on the amendments, saying they did not “provide legal certainty” to players.
FIFPRO issued guidance to players in May stating that following the ruling, a player’s transfer fee or transfer value could no longer be used in the calculation of any compensation due to the club where the player had been contracted, and advised that the compensation paid should be “limited to the residual value of the contract, with a possible further reduction or increase on the basis of the national law”.
A presumption that a player’s new club had induced the termination of contract was removed in the amended rules issued by FIFA last December. Now, a player’s old club must prove the new club induced the player to break contract.
Vacaeiklns
0
What's our plan? We need Isak and we have not made an offer
We'll wait till the deadline date and NU will have to sell at our price or just a little bit more.. it's a good tactic
Bohbekmsuz
0
Isak may end up like Andy Carroll
Bohbekmsuz
0
There isn't anything like a nuclear option. He may be creating his own downfall.
fedabcpsuz
0
they promised him that they'll renew his contract...rather they sacked The director who brought Isak to Newcastle, Amanda & replaced her with Paul Mitchel who refused to renew his contract as he Has still 3 years on his contract - felt unnecessary to renew the contract...Isak rightfully felt betrayed by the club and now they can't offer him his 300k/w demand as It'll exceed their PSR limit...remember when Liverpool tried to sign him earlier, he behaved honorably given no indications that he wanted to leave...the situation is Now this bad as he was betrayed on his promised Salary
it makes more sense now
kipabdemtu
1
The Gyokeres saga is being replayed by Isak. The Swedish superstars are no joke
kolonegooner
0
Didn't see this behavior coming from this lad. Seemed to be on the up n up on the surface BUT wow, what a shocker.
Lemikiba
0
Reds should turn their focus to At.Madrid striker Alvarez.
bibcilmnru
0
Newcastle should have accepted Liverpool's initial offer because Isak is an injury prone play
AFerusmc6546
0
He won make it in Laliga he was alrdy there maybe rather same where else 😏
Wetin dis one de talk ni
ALEXANDERSALEKXZ10
0
your talk make sense so you talk true
Thanks bro
kmuguna
0
What's our plan? We need Isak and we have not made an offer
pepceinpry
0
I guess you are not aware that he communicated his desire to leave the club last season, the club betrayed him especially when Liverpool made an inquiry about him a few weeks ago, and the club affirmed that he is not for sale, the made him come out blazing, making his intentions known to the world. Perhaps, you can see that the club could not sanctioned or threaten him to resume training. please always get your opinion checked before putting it online.
but he renew his contract that last year
pepceinpry
0
What Isak is doing is absolutely wrong...in the sense that he chose the wrong time to communicate his desires....after all other Strike options (Osimhen,Gyokeres,Delap,Joao Pedro,Ekitike)have secured moves elsewhere....he is now saying he wants to leave......if he had communicated this earlier Liverpool wouldnt have gonr for elitike the only reason they went for ekitike was because they thought isak wasn't leaving Castle . Now he's come out to say he wants to leave......How does he want Newcastle to cope with that
your talk make sense so you talk true
Zeeadekrt
2
He won make it in Laliga he was alrdy there maybe rather same where else 😏
Zeeadekrt
4
Replacement Rodrygo, please 🙏 L Diaz out go. cause we have a lot of games to play. let's protect injuries, too.
Zeeadekrt
0
Howe does not want his exit. it is better we bring in Rodrygo atlis and extra defender
emondorock
1
league starts within weeks.Stop paying him if he won't play and sue him for 3 years breach of contract.
wemalnsy
0
Madrid should come and get him
lightrex
0
they promised him that they'll renew his contract...rather they sacked The director who brought Isak to Newcastle, Amanda & replaced her with Paul Mitchel who refused to renew his contract as he Has still 3 years on his contract - felt unnecessary to renew the contract...Isak rightfully felt betrayed by the club and now they can't offer him his 300k/w demand as It'll exceed their PSR limit...remember when Liverpool tried to sign him earlier, he behaved honorably given no indications that he wanted to leave...the situation is Now this bad as he was betrayed on his promised Salary
fepaopruyz
2
welcome ISAK to Annfield
DenoJose
1
that rule has to be abolished, leaving on what price...they are giving players power over the club, yet the club pays them weekly. and may be got them at an expensive fee
Zeyceilpsu
0
isak not gonna join Liverpool coz they not gonna pay 150 millions unless they lower his value
Rakacilrsu
1
120m for Isak is fine, not more than that
Rakacilrsu
0
If a player wants to leave, clubs shouldn't block him..
Puobelntz
3
If Newcastle don't want to sell on the price that will suit Liverpool fc budget then Isak can take other way around of terminating a contract. By doing so Newcastle will loose both player and transfer fee and Liverpool will sign him as a free agent
Widbiltz
1
Newcastle are the cause if Isak's present situation. Last year they refused to renew his contract rather they renewed that of Anthony Gordon. it's better to sell Isak now
ALEXANDERSALEKXZ10
0
Newcastle should have held discussions with him pertaining his future but they declared him not for sale.
There was no need... because there was no indication that he wanted to leave...he used to say he was happy at Castle that's why they were relaxed about him
Widbiltz
0
this doesn't make sense
why?
ALEXANDERSALEKXZ10
0
I guess you are not aware that he communicated his desire to leave the club last season, the club betrayed him especially when Liverpool made an inquiry about him a few weeks ago, and the club affirmed that he is not for sale, the made him come out blazing, making his intentions known to the world. Perhaps, you can see that the club could not sanctioned or threaten him to resume training. please always get your opinion checked before putting it online.
You don't get it..all the time they said Isak was not for sale....it was because Isak was indicating that he was happy at Castle...he never made his feelings known earlier
nonadikmpz
0
What Isak is doing is absolutely wrong...in the sense that he chose the wrong time to communicate his desires....after all other Strike options (Osimhen,Gyokeres,Delap,Joao Pedro,Ekitike)have secured moves elsewhere....he is now saying he wants to leave......if he had communicated this earlier Liverpool wouldnt have gonr for elitike the only reason they went for ekitike was because they thought isak wasn't leaving Castle . Now he's come out to say he wants to leave......How does he want Newcastle to cope with that
I guess you are not aware that he communicated his desire to leave the club last season, the club betrayed him especially when Liverpool made an inquiry about him a few weeks ago, and the club affirmed that he is not for sale, the made him come out blazing, making his intentions known to the world. Perhaps, you can see that the club could not sanctioned or threaten him to resume training. please always get your opinion checked before putting it online.
firMINO1
0
What Isak is doing is absolutely wrong...in the sense that he chose the wrong time to communicate his desires....after all other Strike options (Osimhen,Gyokeres,Delap,Joao Pedro,Ekitike)have secured moves elsewhere....he is now saying he wants to leave......if he had communicated this earlier Liverpool wouldnt have gonr for elitike the only reason they went for ekitike was because they thought isak wasn't leaving Castle . Now he's come out to say he wants to leave......How does he want Newcastle to cope with that
Newcastle should have held discussions with him pertaining his future but they declared him not for sale.
jiobdmpru
2
Liverpool want him on a good price, with the condition now, Newcastle have no choice then to sell himin a price that will suit Liverpool
ALEXANDERSALEKXZ10
4
What Isak is doing is absolutely wrong...in the sense that he chose the wrong time to communicate his desires....after all other Strike options (Osimhen,Gyokeres,Delap,Joao Pedro,Ekitike)have secured moves elsewhere....he is now saying he wants to leave......if he had communicated this earlier Liverpool wouldnt have gonr for elitike the only reason they went for ekitike was because they thought isak wasn't leaving Castle . Now he's come out to say he wants to leave......How does he want Newcastle to cope with that
Fabianobus
1
this doesn't make sense