Liverpool handed Alexander Isak transfer deadline for Arsenal as Premier League rules explained

Alexander Isak's situation at Newcastle currently remains unresolved amid transfer links with Liverpool.

The Swedish striker, who scored 27 goals in 42 games for the Magpies last season, wants to leave St James' Park this summer and is currently training away from his teammates. Liverpool have already seen a £110million bid rejected, with Newcastle said to want around £20million more.

Some reports have emerged claiming Arne Slot's side could come back in with a £130million bid, which could be enough for Isak to make the move to Anfield. If this bid comes in the next day or so, it's possible Isak makes his debut against Arsenal on Sunday.

Mikel Arteta's side make the trip to Liverpool this weekend hoping to lay an early Premier League title marker down on their rivals. For Isak to play against the Gunners, however, Liverpool would need to adhere to Premier League rules.

In order for a new signing to be able to play for their new side, clubs must register the player before midday on the last working day before they play a match to be eligible to feature. In Liverpool's case, that would be midday on Friday for Isak to be available to play against Arsenal on Sunday.

The Premier League Handbook states: "Subject to the provisions of Rule V.1, the deadline for receipt by the board of all duly completed documents required by these rules to effect the registration of a player shall be 12 noon on the last working day before the date of the first league match in which the club making the application intends him to play, save that the international transfer certificate and evidence of eligibility to take up employment in the United Kingdom (in both cases if applicable) may be provided thereafter (but must be provided before the Player is eligible to play for a club in a league match)."

So, Liverpool have until 12pm on Friday to register Isak in time so he can face Arsenal at Anfield this weekend. It's very much possible, but of course a lot depends on if the two clubs can agree a fee in the coming hours.

It comes after Isak broke his silence on the situation last week, after being named in the PFA Team of the Year. The striker was not present at the awards ceremony in Manchester but took to social media to explain his absence.

Writing on Instagram, Isak said: "I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25. First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who have supported me along the way.

"I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there. I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.

"The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading. When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interest of everyone, not just myself."

In response, Newcastle put out a strongly worded statement on their own. The club said: "We are disappointed to have been alerted to a social media post by Alexander Isak this evening.

"We are clear in response that Alex remains under contract and that no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer. We want to keep our best players, but we also understand players have their own wishes and we listen to their views. As explained to Alex and his representatives, we must always take into consideration the best interests of Newcastle United, the team and our supporters in all decisions and we have been clear that the conditions of a sale this summer have not transpired.

"We do not foresee those conditions being met. This is a proud football club with proud traditions and we strive to retain our family feel. Alex remains part of our family and will be welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates."

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