Arsenal striker Viktor Gyökeres has dismissed suggestions of “player power” after he and international teammate Alexander Isak completed high-profile transfers this summer.
Both Swedish forwards sealed major moves, with Gyökeres joining Arsenal and Isak signing for Liverpool following drawn-out negotiations.
The president of Sporting CP had earlier criticized Gyökeres, claiming he would not accept “blackmail and insults” during the player’s push to leave Portugal. On transfer deadline day, Isak forced his way out of Newcastle United to complete his Liverpool switch.
When asked about “player power,” Gyökeres made it clear that the narrative is often exaggerated:
“I congratulated Isak for the move. I don’t really know the situation exactly, so it’s difficult for me to speak about that. When it’s a player that is not wanted in a club, I think it’s the total opposite, he doesn’t have any power, the club can literally do whatever they want.”
Why Gyökeres’s Comment Matters
The remarks from Gyökeres highlight the growing debate about how much influence footballers truly have in forcing transfers. While some players succeed in engineering moves, others remain powerless when clubs choose not to sell.
Player Power in Modern Football
The contrasting experiences of Gyökeres and Isak show how complex the issue is. While Isak managed to secure his dream Liverpool move, Gyökeres insists that the balance of power often still lies with the clubs.
