Alexander Isak will have 'special clause' inserted into contract if he signs for Liverpool because of former player
Alexander Isak could have a special clause inserted in his contract if he makes a move to Liverpool, thanks to an ex-Reds star.
Ever since the 24/25 campaign came to a close, the future of Newcastle United man Isak has been one of the major talking points.
So far, the Swedish international, who scored 27 goals in 42 matches last season, has been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Al Hilal.
Amid the ongoing speculation, the Magpies have always maintained a stance that Isak is not for sale, and it will take a mammoth opening bid for them to start discussions over any deal.
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This week, it was reported that Liverpool retain an interest in Isak despite signing Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt.
On Thursday, Newcastle confirmed that Isak failed to travel with the squad for their pre-season tour in Asia due to an injury.
Hours later, it was revealed that Isak had informed Newcastle of his intentions to 'explore a move away'.
Since then, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has stated that Isak would like to leave Newcastle for Liverpool.
He wrote on social media: "Once again: Alexander Isak wants Liverpool, it’s his priority as reported. No talks with Al Hilal, Chelsea or Manchester United."
If Isak does make a move to Anfield, a special clause could be added to his contract, due to what happened with former Liverpool man Ryan Babel back in 2011.
The whole situation started on the back of Liverpool's FA Cup defeat against United at Old Trafford.
United won 1-0 through an early penalty from Ryan Giggs, while Steven Gerrard was sent off for a rash challenge on Michael Carrick.
Howard Webb was in charge of the tie and Babel went after him on social media following the clash.
The Dutchman posted an edited picture of Webb in a United shirt with a caption that read: "And they call him one of the best referees? That's a joke. SMH [shake my head]."
As a result of his tweet, Babel was fined £10,000 by the English Football Association.
Speaking about the incident previously on the SDS podcast, Babel stated that teams started to insert a clause into players' contracts due to his actions.
He said: "In my opinion he made some wrong decisions that cost us the game. So when we were on the Liverpool bus, I tweeted a few tweets. I tweeted something like, 'They call him the best referee, don't make me laugh'.
"And then I tweeted that with a Howard Webb picture, in a Manchester United kit. If you think about it, it's kind of like banter. [It went] viral, CNN, Sky Sports - everywhere.
"Two days late Liverpool called me in their office, legal was there. They were like, 'Ryan, the FA, they want to fine you and they don't know how to deal with it'. Because it had never happened."
Babel added: "I had to go to London to be in court with the FA. I remember sitting there and they had like four older gentleman and they were like, 'Ryan Babel, this has never happened before and we don't know how to deal with it but to make an example out of you, we have to fine you and suspend you'. And I had a £10,000 fine.
"Because of that, I think years after they start putting in contracts, social media use - 'If you put our club in jeopardy, we fine you'. Because of me they changed the laws on everything."
Topics: Alexander Isak, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Football, Man Utd
Marcus Chan