The ongoing transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak and his desire to leave Newcastle United for Liverpool has taken a new turn, with a FIFA regulation potentially handing the Swedish striker significant leverage. Isak has publicly stated his discontent with Newcastle, claiming "broken promises" and a breakdown of trust. Newcastle, however, deny any agreement was made that would allow Isak to leave this summer.

At the heart of the matter is Article 17 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP). This rule allows a player to unilaterally terminate their contract after a "protected period," which is typically three years for players under 28. Isak is now entering his third season with Newcastle, meaning he could potentially invoke Article 17 next summer.

Article 17 was initially created to protect players from a transfer system that the European Commission viewed as restrictive. It aims to give footballers similar freedoms to other professionals, allowing them to move clubs under certain conditions. If a player terminates their contract without "just cause," the compensation paid to the club should be limited to the contract's residual value, potentially with adjustments based on national law.

While Article 17 has rarely been used due to legal complexities, recent reforms have made it more player-friendly. Should Isak fail to secure a transfer to Liverpool before the September 1st deadline, he faces a difficult choice: play for Newcastle or remain sidelined. However, he could invoke Article 17 up to 15 days before the end of the season in early June 2026, potentially leaving Newcastle on a free transfer when the summer window opens.

This possibility gives Isak considerable leverage. He could potentially force Newcastle to lower their asking price to avoid losing him for a significantly reduced fee next summer. The threat of Article 17 could force Newcastle's hand, making them more willing to negotiate with Liverpool.

Isak's situation has been further complicated by his recent actions. He trained alone at his former club, Real Sociedad, without notifying Newcastle manager Eddie Howe. He also skipped Newcastle's opening Premier League game against Aston Villa. Isak has been training individually at the club's facilities, separate from the first team. Newcastle is reportedly considering disciplinary action and a fine for his absence.

Isak's representatives claim he was promised a contract extension with a pay rise, but the agreement was delayed or abandoned. They also assert that Newcastle was informed in advance of Isak's desire to leave, especially if a club like Liverpool showed interest. Newcastle, however, maintains that no formal agreement was ever reached and that Isak is expected to honor his contract until 2028.

Newcastle has been actively searching for a new striker this summer, with Yoane Wissa among the targets. However, their attempts to sign other players, such as Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, have been unsuccessful. Newcastle insists that they have been unable to find a suitable replacement for Isak.

The situation remains tense, with Isak seemingly determined to leave and Newcastle reluctant to let him go without a significant offer. The clock is ticking as the transfer deadline approaches, and Article 17 looms as a potential game-changer in this high-stakes transfer battle.