Gyokeres Defends Isak Amid ‘Toxic Transfer’ Controversy

In a summer dominated by blockbuster moves and behind-the-scenes drama, two of Sweden’s brightest footballing talents—Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak—found themselves at the heart of high-profile Premier League transfers. Now, Gyokeres has publicly backed his international teammate, offering a candid perspective on the complexities of player power and club control in modern football.

🔁 Parallel Paths to the Premier League

Both Gyokeres and Isak made headlines this summer for their contentious exits from their respective clubs. Gyokeres refused to return to Sporting CP for pre-season training, effectively going on strike amid interest from Arsenal. His £64 million move to the Emirates was finalized in late July.

Isak’s situation at Newcastle United unraveled more slowly but no less dramatically. After weeks of tension and speculation, the striker completed a £125 million switch to Liverpool just over a month later.

With Sweden preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Slovenia, the pair could now line up together in attack—united not just by nationality, but by shared experience.

🎙️ Gyokeres Speaks Out: “The Clubs Have the Most Power”

Speaking to Sky Sports, Gyokeres offered a nuanced take on the criticism surrounding Isak’s transfer saga, particularly the portrayal of his actions as “toxic.”

“We all play and I think the clubs have the most power,” Gyokeres said. “It’s maybe difficult for the players to choose in a lot of cases.”

He highlighted the imbalance in control between players and clubs, especially when a player is no longer wanted.

“When it’s a player that’s not wanted in that club I think it’s the total opposite, he doesn’t have any power and the club can do literally whatever they want with the player.”

Gyokeres’ comments reflect a growing sentiment among players who feel trapped by contractual obligations, even when informal promises—so-called “gentleman’s agreements”—have been made.

🤝 A Shared Struggle Behind the Scenes

Both Gyokeres and Isak reportedly believed they had verbal assurances from their former clubs allowing them to leave under certain conditions. When those conditions were met, and the clubs hesitated or resisted, tensions escalated.

Gyokeres was careful not to speak definitively about Isak’s situation, acknowledging the complexity of such negotiations.

“You don’t really know what’s been going on behind [the scenes],” he said. “I don’t really know in his case what the situation has been exactly, it’s difficult for me to speak about that.”

⚖️ The Bigger Picture: Player Autonomy vs. Club Control

The comments from Gyokeres add fuel to an ongoing debate in football: how much agency should players have over their careers, especially when clubs wield significant financial and contractual power?

While fans often view transfer drama through the lens of loyalty and professionalism, players like Gyokeres and Isak are shedding light on the emotional and strategic toll these moves can take.

As both strikers settle into their new Premier League homes, their performances—and their voices—will continue to shape the conversation around player empowerment in elite football.