Gone by Any Means: Viktor Gyökeres, Alexander Isak + Football’s Most Dramatic Transfer Tantrums

If you’re reading this, a transfer storm is brewing around Newcastle and Liverpool.

What we know: The player wants to join the reigning Premier League champions, but the player Newcastle targeted as the Swede’s replacement has seemingly chosen Manchester United. 

What we don’t know: What’s next for Newcastle and Isak? Do they sell him without a replacement or risk keeping an unhappy player around in the dressing room? 

And this is not an isolated incident either. Just three weeks ago, Arsenal was embroiled in their very own transfer tug-of-war as they attempted to prise Victor Gyökeres away from Sporting Lisbon. From Gyökeres’ threats to not report for pre-season and miss training (which he actually did) to Sporting CP’s president, Frederico Varandas, coming out to say the club was willing to keep him despite these antics and would only sell IF their price was met. 

In the end, something had to give, which is why the Swede, who scored 97 goals in 102 matches over the last two seasons in Portugal, has sealed a move to his “dream” club. 

In football, few things are more predictable than a player suddenly remembering his "childhood dream" was to play for another club. This usually happens once a team flashes a larger pay slip or Champions League football. What follows is rarely quiet. From conveniently timed “injuries” to skipping training sessions, some players have turned the art of forcing a transfer into high drama.

Sometimes it’s messy. Sometimes it’s petty. And almost always, it leaves you wondering: is this pure passion or just plain problematic?

The Exit Strategy Playbook

Viktor Gyökeres’ antics aren’t new. If you’ve watched sports long enough, you’d agree with me. In the beautiful game, when a player truly wants out, it gets ugly; he doesn’t file a polite resignation letter. No, no. He unleashes a full Netflix-level script. 

Let’s start with William Gallas, who once allegedly threatened to score an own goal if Chelsea didn’t let him leave. You know you're serious when you’re willing to sabotage your own net. Gallas obviously denied it, but I’m never taking the word of someone who made the mohawk hairstyle famous in football. Chelsea, understandably, sent him packing and he joined rivals, Arsenal.

Then there’s Carlos Tevez, who, after falling out with Manchester City, opted for an extended golf retreat in Argentina while the club tried to figure out if he was on strike or just on holiday. Spoiler alert: he was on both. At least he actually won a Pro-Am tournament during his time away. So, maybe, just maybe, football and golf can mix. 

And no, my editor isn’t Gareth Bale. It’s still Adekunle Elemo, who reportedly slept off the last time he was watching the US Open. Reportedly o. Before they sack me. 

Editor's Note: Sadly, we had to let Chike go. Reportedly oo.

And who could forget Cristiano Ronaldo’s sit-down with Piers Morgan? Lured by more playing time, and - let’s face it - hundreds of millions of Saudi money - the man skipped past his manager and his agent to go directly to a known Manchester United hater, verbally shredding the club with the elegance of a man unbothered by consequences. Within weeks, the Red Devils mutually “parted ways” with their GOAT. Some bitter Man Utd fans now call him a goat and not a GOAT. Honestly, I can’t blame them. 

So, what Gyökeres did isn’t new. The playbook has just gotten more theatrical. What used to be handled behind closed doors is now front-page content, with the player’s side of the story posted as a 3-minute TikTok montage with sad piano music. 

Why It Works (Sometimes)

Here’s the thing: as chaotic as it looks, this madness often works. Players eventually get their move. The parent club, fed up with the circus, agrees to sell. The new club swoops in with fanfare and a shiny unveiling video. 

And let’s be honest, if you’re the buying club, it feels kind of nice. It’s an ego boost. “He really wanted to join us!” … “He burned bridges, missed training, risked fines… for us!” … “Omo, this guy like our club die!”

It’s the footballing equivalent of storming out of your ex’s apartment and moving in with someone else the next morning, captioning your Instagram post “New Beginnings.”

But here’s the awkward part…

When the Red Flag Wears Your Colours

Signing a player who just forced his club is a bit like dating someone who cheated on their partner with you. Not just that, they made sure they got caught so their partner would initiate the break-up. Do you really want that as a partner? Not me. 

Okay, okay. Exceptions can be made if we’re talking about Uche Montana here. I have principles, but I’m not stupid. 

My point is, while the chemistry is electric now, give it six months, one tactical disagreement, or a slightly lower Champions League finish, and suddenly the player is “mentally unavailable” for the final six league games.

Imagine being a club exec, proudly unveiling a new signing, knowing full well he just refused to come off the bench last week for his former team. You're hoping he’s passionate. But deep down, you know there’s a 50/50 chance he might do the same to you. Do I need to remind you how much of a headache Mario Balotelli was when he got fed up with a team and wanted out? 

The Transfer Tantrum Hall of Fame

Some players take their transfer tantrums to a different level entirely. I have a list of my favorite 10 and just for laughs, I’ve rated them out of 10. Spoiler alert: a member of our very own Nigeria national football team made the cut;

Considering all this, I’ll give Viktor Gyökeres a 7.5/10 and that’s because I’m feeling generous. At least he didn’t go as far as quoting F. Scott Fitzgerald or Chimamanda. For Isak? We wait and see.

The Modern Transfer Saga: Performance or Petulance?

We’re in an era where player power has never been stronger. And to be fair, not all transfer tantrums are unjustified. Some clubs do trap players, break promises or hold out for unrealistic fees. But the way some players go about it is problematic. I guess you could say they’re usually left with no option. 

There’s also the agent influence. Modern reps aren’t just middlemen, they're part hype men, part hostage negotiators, and part PR managers. Add social media and the influence of Fabrizio Romano into the mix, and suddenly, even a missed training session becomes a “cryptic story post” moment.

One player refuses to play, another posts an hourglass emoji on Instagram, and, if you’re Jadon Sancho, all you need to do is comment “freedom” on an ex-teammate’s post. 

Conclusion: Buyer Beware, but Also... Enjoy the Ride

So where do we land on this? Are these players just doing what it takes in a cutthroat business? Or are they playing dirty?

Honestly, it depends on which side you're standing on. If your club signs a superstar who bullied his way out of his previous contract, you're clapping. If you're the club he left behind, you're throwing darts at his jersey in your man cave. Arsenal fans absolutely hate Ashley Cole and Robin van Persie, but I can bet they’re absolutely buzzing to see Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard link up with Viktor Gyökeres this season. I mean, several members of the online betting community believe they’re a lock for a Champions League final appearance.

We have the best odds for that, actually. Just hit this link and make your pick.