‘I Congratulated Him’ – Viktor Gyokeres Defends Close Friend Alexander Isak Over Liverpool Transfer Saga After Going on Strike at Newcastle

A Tale of Two Swedish Strikers

This summer’s transfer window was filled with blockbuster deals, late twists, and eyebrow-raising dramas. Yet few sagas matched the intensity and controversy of Alexander Isak’s record-breaking £125 million move from Newcastle United to Liverpool. The Swedish striker forced the issue in the final days of the window, refusing to train with Eddie Howe’s side until the transfer was pushed through.

For weeks, the story dominated headlines in both England and Sweden. Was Isak wrong to go on strike? Did Newcastle mishandle the situation? Could Liverpool really justify smashing the British transfer record for a player who had spent just two full seasons at St James’ Park?

The debate raged among pundits and supporters alike. But amid the noise, one of Isak’s closest friends – and fellow Sweden international – has spoken up in his defence. Viktor Gyokeres, who himself completed a high-profile switch from Sporting CP to Arsenal earlier in the window, has publicly backed his compatriot and insisted the move was the right step for his career.

What Happened?

Isak, 24, had been Newcastle’s marquee signing in 2022 when he arrived from Real Sociedad for £63 million. His blend of pace, finishing, and composure quickly made him one of the most lethal strikers in the Premier League. But after a stellar 2023-24 campaign, rumours of discontent began to swirl. Liverpool’s interest was no secret, and when negotiations dragged on, Isak decided to take matters into his own hands.

In the final days of the transfer window, he stopped training with the Magpies, working individually instead. The move drew furious backlash from fans who felt betrayed by a player once adored on Tyneside. Critics branded him unprofessional. But Newcastle, faced with the reality of an unhappy star and Liverpool’s staggering offer, eventually sanctioned the deal on deadline day.

What Viktor Gyokeres Said

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has spoken out in support of close friend Alexander Isak following his controversial transfer from Newcastle to Liverpool.

Asked about the saga while on international duty, Viktor Gyokeres was quick to show support for his friend.

“I haven’t spoken with him too much because he’s just come. I said hi to him and congratulated him for the move and not so much more,” Gyokeres explained. “Yeah, I said earlier about my situation [leaving Sporting CP for Arsenal], it can be the same. You don’t know what has been going on behind [the scenes]. I don’t know in his case what has gone on exactly so it’s difficult for me to speak about that.”

The Arsenal striker, who forced through his own move from Portugal earlier this summer, suggested that outsiders rarely know the full story.

“When it is a player who is not wanted in that club I think it’s the total opposite. He doesn’t have any power, the club can literally do whatever they want with the player. It’s difficult but it’s how the situation is.”

By drawing parallels with his own exit from Sporting, Gyokeres essentially reminded critics that transfer stories are often far more complex than they appear.

The Bigger Picture: A Pattern Among Players

Gyokeres’ words shine a light on a broader truth in modern football: player power has never been stronger.

A generation ago, clubs largely dictated terms. Players could be frozen out, contracts ran down, and moves depended on boardroom decisions rather than personal desire. Today, the dynamic has shifted. With huge sums of money on the table, star players increasingly take control of their own futures – even if that means refusing to train.

Isak is hardly the first to use such leverage. Harry Kane skipped Tottenham training in 2021 in an attempt to force through a move to Manchester City. Neymar went on strike at Barcelona to engineer his record-breaking switch to PSG. Gyokeres himself made headlines when he reportedly refused to report back for pre-season at Sporting in order to complete his move to Arsenal.

For supporters, such tactics often feel like betrayal. But for players, they are sometimes the only way to escape situations they no longer see as right for their careers.

Liverpool’s Gamble – and Newcastle’s Dilemma

For Liverpool, breaking the British transfer record to sign Isak was a bold statement. At £125 million, the Swedish international now carries enormous expectations. He arrives not only as a star forward but as the man tasked with spearheading a new era at Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp’s departure and Arne Slot’s arrival as manager marked a changing of the guard. In Isak, Liverpool believe they have found the striker to define that transition – a player who can thrive in high-intensity pressing football and deliver goals at the very highest level.

For Newcastle, however, the deal was bittersweet. Losing a talisman so soon after his breakout years was a blow to Eddie Howe’s project. Yet the financial package was too significant to ignore, especially with Financial Fair Play restrictions looming. The Magpies will reinvest, but for supporters, replacing Isak will be a daunting challenge.

Did You Know?

• At £125m, Isak became the most expensive signing in British football history, surpassing the previous record set by Chelsea for Moisés Caicedo.

• Both Gyokeres and Isak were born in Sweden in 1999 and have been friends since youth level, often sharing rooms during international camps.

• Gyokeres’ move to Arsenal cost the Gunners £85m, making him their most expensive forward signing ever.

Sweden’s Golden Strike Partnership

For the Swedish national team, the timing of these transfers could hardly be more intriguing. Both Gyokeres and Isak now play for Premier League giants, both arrive in camp with fresh challenges ahead, and both will be expected to deliver goals on the international stage.

Sweden face Slovenia and Kosovo in World Cup qualifiers this month, with Isak and Gyokeres set to lead the line together. For manager Jon Dahl Tomasson, it is a dream pairing: two powerful, clinical strikers in their prime, playing week in and week out at the highest level.

What Next?

Sweden v Slovakia – UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League C Group C1

Isak will likely make his Liverpool debut after the international break, with a Premier League clash against Burnley on September 14 pencilled in. Anfield will be buzzing to see their record man in action.

Gyokeres, meanwhile, is preparing for life in north London. Arsenal fans have already fallen in love with his physical style and work rate, and a potential Premier League title battle between his Gunners and Isak’s Liverpool could add an extra layer of spice to their friendship.

For Sweden, however, there will be no rivalry – only a shared mission to fire their country to the 2026 World Cup.

Conclusion: Friendship in the Midst of Controversy

The contrast is striking: in club football, Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres may soon be direct rivals for Premier League glory, but on the international stage, they are close friends and trusted teammates.

Gyokeres’ defence of Isak is more than just loyalty – it’s a reminder that transfer sagas are messy, nuanced, and deeply personal. Fans may feel hurt, clubs may feel wronged, but for players, career decisions are often made in moments of tension and urgency.

“I congratulated him,” Gyokeres said. In that simple gesture lies both respect and understanding. For all the noise surrounding Isak’s move, what matters most to him and his friend is the next step: proving themselves at the very highest level.

And if their journeys continue on this upward curve, Sweden might just boast the deadliest strike partnership in Europe.