Arsenal star Viktor Gyokeres has been praised online for speaking out about teammate Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool on transfer deadline day for a record British transfer fee – with the drawn-out saga seeing the Gunners hitman state that there isn’t much player power in football, after Isak was chastised for how he handled the deal.
Fomer Isak, a Newcastle United icon, had been on Liverpool’s radar for a long time as the Reds sought to strengthen their forward line under Arne Slot – but a drawn-out transaction was fraught with complications. Isak was barred from taking part in training or the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Asia before the Reds made a £110 million bid for him in early August.
Gyokeres: Transfers are ‘difficult’ for players since power is ‘with the clubs’
That was refused, resulting in a battle of words between the two clubs. Isak issued a shock statement and refused to play in any Premier League games, despite Liverpool’s withdrawal from a deal – and it only took Newcastle relaxing their stance on transfer deadline day to finalize a £130 million trade.
And, with his national teammate under pressure, Gyokeres – who had to negotiate a £63.5 million transfer from Sporting to north London – disclosed that he had spoken with Isak, seeking refuge in the new Anfield icon for the lack of player power, which drew acclaim from supporters online.
The Emirates star stated:
“I haven’t spoken with him much because he just arrived, so I greeted him and congratulated him on the relocation, that’s it.
“As I mentioned earlier, I believe it is similar to my circumstance in that you have no idea what is going on behind the scenes. I don’t know exactly what happened in his instance, therefore it’s tough for me to speak about it.
“We all play, and clubs have the most power. In several circumstances, gamers may have difficulty making a decision. When it comes to players that aren’t wanted by that club, I believe the opposite is true.
“He has no power; the club can basically do whatever they want with the player. It’s difficult, but that’s how things are.
How Fans Reacted to Viktor Gyokeres’ Statement on Alexander Isak
Fans were critical of Isak and Gyokeres’ behavior during the summer, but following Gyokeres’ conference in Sweden, many took to X (previously Twitter) to commend him for his candid remarks.
One wrote: “Facts”, while another wrote: “makes a fair point. Antony, for example, was not desired at Manchester United and was forced to train with the reserves while living in a hotel for several months. However, when the player treats them with the same respect, it makes headlines.
A third fan said, “That’s an honest take you don’t hear often,” while another noted, “Gyokeres didn’t hold back.”
Finally, a fifth fan remarked that they ‘didn’t believe in player power’, adding, “I think he’s right on here. There is no loyalty among football clubs or players. I do not believe in “player power”. If a club does not want a player, they will do whatever they can to get rid of him.
However, several people reacted negatively to what Gyokeres said. One fan said, “He refused to play and got the move he wanted, what are you talking about?” Another fan referenced Gyokeres’ ordeal, tweeting, “He did the same with sporting lol.”
Finally, an admirer added, “What a load of rubbish he talks”.
xz
