Viktor Gyokeres has spoken out in support of fellow Sweden international Alexander Isak following the striker’s drawn-out summer transfer to Liverpool.
Isak completed his switch to Anfield on deadline day for a British record £125m fee, putting pen to paper on a six-year contract with the reigning Premier League champions.
The transfer brought an end to a long-drawn-out standoff with Newcastle United after Isak exiled himself from the squad as he pushed for a move away.
The 25-year-old claimed the Magpies had broken promises regarding his ability to leave the club this summer after Liverpool’s initial £110m bid was rejected.
Gyokeres, who joined Arsenal from Sporting CP for £63.5m earlier this summer in a similarly tense albeit less drawn-out saga, admitted he could relate to his compatriot’s situation.
The forward faced disciplinary action at Sporting after refusing to train in a bid to force his own move through to the Premier League.
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What did Gyokeres say?
When asked about the idea of “player power” after both Swedish strikers pushed hard for their transfers, Gyokeres pushed back, stressing that players often have far less control than most people believe.
“I congratulated Isak for the move,” the Arsenal forward responded.
“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.”
Sweden strikers’ partnership
Gyokeres also reflected on his partnership with Isak at international level as Sweden continue preparations for their World Cup qualifying campaign.
After missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, Gyokeres said he believes the national team has what it takes to return to football’s biggest stage next summer - a sentiment echoed by Sweden manager Jon Dahl Tomasson.
“It's always good to have good players in the national team,” he said.
“We of course want to reach the World Cup next year and if we have the best players available in the team that's of course going to help.
“We played a few games together and felt very good. [Isak] scored, I've scored and we've assisted each other. I think it's good to keep going on that path and improve more with the team.”
Sweden begin their qualifying journey on Friday (September 5) with a trip to Slovenia before facing Kosovo next Monday (September 8).
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