Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa refused to train and issued public statements demanding transfers, and both secured moves — Isak for a reported £125m and Wissa for £55m. Chris Sutton described those actions as "despicable", "disgraceful" and "disrespectful", while Joe Hart defended players by noting clubs have previously mistreated players. England defender Marc Guehi continued training but lost his hoped-for move despite praised professionalism. Isak said promises were "broken"; Wissa urged Brentford to "keep their word". Opinions differ on whether forced exits represent a growing trend or repeat longstanding transfer-era tactics.
Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa both refused to train this summer and both penned statements demanding moves elsewhere. Former Blackburn and Aston Villa striker Chris Sutton called the pair's behaviour "despicable", "disgraceful" and "disrespectful". But, in a heated debate on BBC Radio 5 Live, Joe Hart said clubs "have stomped all over players" in the past. In the end, whatever your opinion, it worked.
On deadline day Isak secured a record 125m move to Liverpool from Newcastle who also signed Wissa from Brentford for 55m. In stark contrast, England defender Marc Guehi, who had kept training and playing for Crystal Palace, saw his dream move to Liverpool collapse having been widely praised for his professionalism. So, is this the way football is heading? Will we have an increase in players actively trying to force a move?
Sutton doesn't believe a pattern has been set, telling BBC Sport: "These are two examples of players downing tools and getting a move, but I can also point to Eberechi Eze who didn't and still got his move [to Arsenal this summer]." Similarly, Troy Deeney stressed to BBC Sport none of this is new as players have "always done what they needed to do to get their move" and have been releasing public statements and refusing to train "since the end of time".
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