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Alexander Isak could theoretically terminate his Newcastle contract and join Liverpool on a free transfer due to a loophole in FIFA's regulations.
The Swedish forward is on Liverpool's radar this summer, but the Reds have seen their £110 million bid turned down, and the player himself has gone on strike following his unsuccessful attempt to secure a move.
Isak has accused Newcastle of "broken promises" regarding a transfer, but the club hit back by stating it never assured him that he would be sold in this transfer window.
Both teams faced off at St James' Park on Monday night, with Liverpool clinching a thrilling 3-2 victory in the final minute courtesy of teenager Rio Ngumoha, while Isak remained absent from the squad.
Manager Eddie Howe and captain Bruno Guimaraes have both urged for a resolution to the transfer saga so the team can concentrate on the upcoming season, and all eyes will be on Isak in the coming week as deadline day looms.
It was revealed on Tuesday that Isak had held emergency discussions with the club's owners, and he remains firm in his desire to sign for Liverpool this summer, reports the Mirror.
There has been speculation about whether Isak might opt for the 'nuclear option' and tear up his Newcastle contract to facilitate a free transfer to Liverpool, although FIFA regulations stipulate that players would face harsh penalties for taking such a drastic measure.
The rules stipulate that a player could face a ban from all football activities if they terminate their contract "without just cause" within a protected period of three years for players under 28.
Given that Isak is 25, his protected period concluded on August 26, 2025 - three years after he joined for £63m on a six-year deal.
In theory, this means Isak could end the contract without any penalty from FIFA, as per Four Four Two. However, the report suggests it wouldn't be straightforward for Isak to take such steps because English contract law principles would still apply.
While Isak wouldn't be compelled to play for Newcastle, a legal injunction could be secured that stops him from playing elsewhere. Newcastle would also be entitled to seek damages from the player due to a contract breach.
Back in 2014, ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Lassana Diarra ended his contract with Lokomotiv Moscow and was suspended from football for 15 months. The player was also instructed to pay £8.5m in compensation to the Russian club by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Isak's future could also hinge on whether Newcastle manage to sign a new forward. They have had two offers turned down for Brentford's Yoane Wissa and also had a £50m bid rejected for Wolves star Jorgen Strand Larsen.
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