Viktor Gyökeres Reflects on Sweden Teammate Isak’s Liverpool Transfer Drama, Exposes Power Struggles in Football

Key Takeaways:

• On the final day of the transfer window, Liverpool secured Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for £125 million
• Isak was granted the prestigious No. 9 shirt at Anfield, a number once donned by Ian Rush who welcomed him personally
• Viktor Gyökeres compared Isak’s transfer saga to his own when moving from Sporting to Arsenal for £59 million

Isak’s Move to Liverpool: A Summer Saga Concludes

The closing stages of the transfer window saw a dramatic climax as Liverpool finalised a £125 million deal to sign 25-year-old Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. After a summer rife with speculation and tension, Isak received the famous No. 9 shirt at Anfield, a number made legendary by Ian Rush, who personally sent a message to welcome the Swedish forward to the club.

Controversy Surrounding Isak’s Departure from Newcastle

Isak’s move followed a protracted dispute with Newcastle United, highlighted by his refusal to train and play as he sought to force an exit. The striker alleges that Newcastle failed to uphold a gentlemen’s agreement to permit his departure for a fair fee, ultimately leading to the record transfer to Liverpool.

'NO ONE KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES!' 👀 | Viktor Gyokeres on Isak transfer and 'club power' pic.twitter.com/Y8VvekHIte

— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) September 2, 2025

Gyökeres Draws Parallels to His Own Transfer Experience

Viktor Gyökeres, a Sweden national teammate and newly signed Arsenal forward, expressed his support for Isak amidst the controversy. Gyökeres described seeing similarities with his own move from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal, where he also refused to participate after Sporting failed to honour their promise to let him leave if a £59 million offer arrived. His transfer to the Gunners was eventually completed, mirroring the circumstances surrounding Isak’s move.

Insight into Player and Club Relations

“We all play, but clubs have the most power,” Gyökeres told Sky Sports News. “Very often it’s difficult for players to make a choice. And when it comes to a footballer who is no longer wanted in a club, then the situation is exactly the opposite – yet the club still dictates the rules.”