A little-known transfer rule could play into the hands of Alexander Isak and provide him with some much-needed leverage as he attempts to force through a move to Liverpool.
Isak Saga Escalates as FIFA Ruling Could Open Door to Shock Liverpool Move
The transfer battle of the summer took another twist on Tuesday night when Alexander Isak publicly accused Newcastle United of breaking promises, amid growing speculation over a potential British-record transfer to Liverpool.
The striker, whose deal at St. James’ Park runs until 2028, issued a pointed statement:
“Promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.”
Newcastle quickly hit back, expressing “disappointment” in Isak’s remarks and insisting no official had ever assured him of a summer exit. They stressed that conditions for a sale “have not transpired” and reiterated their stance that the Swedish forward remains under contract.
Yet, despite their defiance, the club could be vulnerable due to Article 17 of FIFA’s Regulations on the Transfer and Status of Players — a rule recently reshaped by a case involving ex-Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra.
The Diarra Precedent
Back in 2014, Diarra’s attempt to leave Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow descended into legal limbo. Denied an international transfer certificate, he spent a year without a club despite having offers elsewhere. He argued FIFA’s rules unfairly restricted player freedom of movement, and the European Court of Justice agreed, forcing FIFA to amend its regulations.
Previously, players who ended contracts without “just cause” had to pay compensation, with their new club also held liable. Now, Article 17 allows footballers to unilaterally terminate their contracts without needing to provide a reason — provided they’ve served at least three years of their deal (or two years if aged 28 or older).
How It Impacts Isak
Isak, 25, has now been at Newcastle for exactly three years. That means he technically qualifies to invoke Article 17 and walk away from his contract, potentially freeing him to force a move regardless of the club’s stance.
For Newcastle, the danger is clear: if Isak pushes ahead, they could lose their prized asset without extracting the record-breaking fee they’ve been holding out for. For Liverpool, however, the rule could present a stunning opportunity to land one of Europe’s most coveted strikers.
Article 17 Could Offer Isak Escape Route Next Summer
While Newcastle have so far resisted Liverpool’s interest, FIFA’s transfer rules may hand Alexander Isak an opening next year. Under Article 17, he would be permitted to unilaterally terminate his contract in the summer of 2026 — but only if he invokes the clause within 15 days of Newcastle’s final match of the season, expected in early June.
As outlined by ESPN, triggering Article 17 would be treated as a unilateral breach of contract, freeing Isak to join another club as soon as the transfer window opens on July 1.
Newcastle would still be entitled to compensation, though the amount would need to be negotiated and would almost certainly fall far short of the £110 million Liverpool bid rejected earlier this month.
For now, there is no suggestion that Isak’s camp plans to use this route. However, the clause could provide the striker with a potential way out should he remain at St. James’ Park beyond the current transfer window.
