Amid a summer transfer window like no other, football’s biggest stars made even bigger moves. But one story especially captivated football fans this year. Alexander Isak, a 25-year-old Swedish footballer, had 27 goals in all competitions last season for his former club, Newcastle United. His time with the team came to an end early, despite having a contract that ran through 2027, with his shocking move to the Premier League champions Liverpool Football Club.   

Isak’s refusal to attend pre-season team sessions and entrance into Newcastle coach Eddie Howe’s squad at the beginning of the 2025-2026 English Premier League season created a saga that not only tarnished Isak’s reputation amongst Newcastle supporters, but also raised questions about the power star players have. Newcastle, which was without another striker at Isak’s level, relied heavily on his goalscoring to achieve significant wins last season. Without him this year, the team has struggled, starting with one loss and two draws in their opening three games. 

For Newcastle fans, the situation is frustrating. Recently, following the team’s acquisition by the Saudi Arabian-based Public Investment Fund in October 2021, the club has experienced significant success, led by Isak. His goalscoring reflected traits similar to club legend and all-time leading Premier League goal scorer Alan Shearer, who played for the club from 1996-2006. Last season, Newcastle defeated Liverpool 2-1 in the League Cup final, with Isak scoring the game’s pivotal goal to make it 2-0 in the match. Furthermore, Isak’s 23 Premier League goals were significant in Newcastle’s qualification for this season’s Champions League.   

Hence, the question looms. Why did Isak force his way out of the club? Why did he choose Liverpool?   

Throughout the 2024-2025 season, Isak was linked heavily to Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning team. During a busy transfer window for Liverpool, the ‘Reds’ spent over $600 million CAD before signing Isak, including major attacking signings such as Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. It was questionable whether Liverpool could afford Isak or still considered him a desired attacking target.   

Nonetheless, adding to the record-breaking window for the Reds, they spent an additional $217 million CAD to make Isak’s move official. His addition to their revamped attack gives the team a massive leg-up in their title-defending campaign.   

While Isak did get his move away from Newcastle, he violated the responsibilities he had to his former team. When a player signs a contract, it is their obligation to contribute to team efforts until their contract expires, or until the club transfers the player. Despite informing the club at the end of last season of his desire to leave, Newcastle’s refusal to accept opening bids from Liverpool was not a reason for Isak to withhold from participating in club outings.  

For Newcastle, the move created an exceedingly tricky situation. Their star player was refusing to participate while they still had not received a bid they deemed commensurate with Isak’s value. 

Judging by the recent prominence and success of Newcastle, they are on the trajectory to be a potential elite club in the Premier League’s future. If they want to join this top-tier group, they cannot let go of players like Isak, despite pressure from the player or financial incentives. 

Isak would arguably be in a better position if he stayed at Newcastle, being the team’s sole striker. The quality of competition at Newcastle is no different from what he will have at Liverpool: Both teams are competing in the same domestic competitions, and both teams are in this season’s Champions League. 

At Liverpool this season, Isak will be competing for his striker spot with Ekitike, who has already had a hot start with the Reds in the opening games of this Premier League season. 

Isak’s first return against his old side could come on Jan. 31, 2026, at Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium—that is, of course, if he earns his place as his new team’s starting striker this season. 

The Alexander Isak transfer saga represents the power exceptional players have in creating their own destiny, despite contractual obligations. Now, it is up to Isak to perform in an exciting season ahead.