Arsenal Star Defends Alexander Isak and his £125m Move to Liverpool | OneFootball

Liverpool Break British Transfer Record for Alexander Isak as Player Power Debate Grows

Liverpool made headlines on deadline day by completing the £125m signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United. The move, a British transfer record, has brought the discussion of player influence back into focus after a turbulent summer for both Isak and Arsenal’s new signing Viktor Gyokeres.

Alexander Isak’s Path to Liverpool

Isak’s journey to Liverpool has been far from straightforward. The striker did not feature in Newcastle’s pre-season preparations or their early Premier League fixtures. Instead, he trained away from the main group while negotiations progressed, ultimately sealing a high-profile transfer to Anfield. For Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot after his Premier League triumph in 2024, the addition of Isak signals a major statement of intent. Slot now has one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards at his disposal, a player capable of leading the line and delivering in high-pressure fixtures.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal Secure Viktor Gyokeres

Arsenal were equally active in the market, investing £63.5m to bring Gyokeres from Sporting CP. The Sweden international had refused to report for pre-season training in Portugal, a decision that forced the hand of his club. His eventual move to north London underlined Arsenal’s commitment to strengthening their attacking options as they look to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City for domestic honours.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Gyokeres defended his actions and those of Isak, saying: “It can be the same that you don’t really know what’s been going on behind [the scenes]. I don’t really know in his case what the situation has been exactly.”

Debate Over Player Power

The question of player influence has been a recurring theme in football, particularly when star names push for transfers. Asked whether criticism of so-called player power is fair, Gyokeres was clear in his view. “We all play. And the clubs have the most power. Maybe it’s difficult for the players to choose in a lot of cases. He doesn’t have any power, clubs can do what they want with a player. It’s difficult but it’s how the situation is.”

His comments highlight a reality of modern football. While players may appear to hold sway, particularly when refusing to train or play, clubs ultimately retain control through contracts and market decisions. Transfers at this scale underline how both parties must align to make such deals possible.

Shifting Dynamics in English Football

The arrivals of Alexander Isak at Liverpool and Viktor Gyokeres at Arsenal reflect a wider shift in English football’s balance of power. Liverpool’s willingness to break the transfer record shows their determination to remain at the top under Slot, while Arsenal’s investment demonstrates a belief that they can finally close the gap. These moves have reignited discussions around control, ambition and the increasingly complex relationship between players and clubs.