A possible way out for Alexander maybe?
”ESPN's Gabriele Marcotti has now revealed that a tweak to FIFA's transfer rules could allow the forward to force through an exit. It follows a legal case involving former Real Madrid midfielder Lassana Diarra last year.
Following a court ruling, FIFA were forced to change Article 17 of their Regulations on Transfer and Status of Players. The alterations removed the governing body's power to withhold a player's transfer certificate if they breached their contract to join a new club for free.
FIFA had previously been able to block the move until the matter had been resolved. The burden of proof has also shifted to the club losing the player to prove the signing club colluded with him to breach their contract.
As a result, Isak could potentially join a new club as a free agent next summer if Newcastle do not sell him before the end of the current window.
Article 17 can be invoked within 15 days of the final match of the season, with the Toon Army's final Premier League fixture of this term scheduled for May 24, 2026.
This would give Isak until June 8 to unilaterally breach his contract and be free to sign for a new club on July 1, two years before his deal expires. Although Newcastle would be entitled to compensation, this figure could be as little as half of Liverpool's rejected bid, says Marcotti.
That figure is determined by the 'damage suffered' by the club in relation to FIFA's 'positive interest' principle.
The process is applied on a case-to-case basis, with Marcotti stating that in this instance Isak's remaining wages, his value to Newcastle and the cost of replacing him would be considered. Newcastle would also be able to appeal any compensation decision by FIFA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
However, whilst this could take up to two years, the rule changes would allow Isak to join a new club immediately. It would mean the team signing him can do so for free without having to pay a transfer fee for potentially two years.
The prospect of having to wait so long to receive compensation could force Newcastle into selling Isak this month.“