Rio Ferdinand Defends Alexander Isak: 'Nice Guys Don't Win... Clubs Get Away With Murder'

Last Updated:September 03, 2025, 17:27 IST

Rio Ferdinand defended Alexander Isak's record Liverpool move from Newcastle United, criticising players beng villified as he highlighted Marc Guehi's blocked transfer.

Rio Ferdinand defended Alexander Isak (Instagram and AP)

Former England star Rio Ferdinand stated on Wednesday that players should not be vilified for forcing transfer moves, referencing the Alexander Isak saga and adding, “Nice guys don’t win."

Isak is currently disliked by Newcastle United fans after expressing his desire to leave the club, aiming to move to Liverpool. He succeeded, securing a British-record £125 million ($167 million) transfer to the Premier League champions on Monday.

Conversely, England defender Marc Guehi saw his potential transfer to Liverpool fall through when Crystal Palace blocked the sale at the last minute. Unlike the contentious Isak saga, Guehi received praise for continuing to play well for Palace despite Liverpool’s interest.

“Nice guys don’t win," Ferdinand, a former England and Manchester United defender, remarked at the World Football Summit in Hong Kong. He commented on the clubs’ actions in these situations, stating, “The clubs get away with murder in these situations. How many players down the years were denied a move because the clubs said it wasn’t this and it wasn’t that? Being greedy. But players get vilified when they say, ‘It’s a great offer, it’s a load of money, why aren’t you letting me go? I want to go to a club that’s winning trophies.'"

He highlighted the discrepancy in treatment, saying, “Players are vilified for seeking opportunities at clubs winning trophies and offering significant money. When clubs deny these moves, it’s seen differently."

Reflecting on his own experience of moving from Leeds to Manchester United in 2002 for a then-British record fee, Ferdinand added, “Marc Guehi’s not been able to go and everyone’s going, ‘Great, brilliant.’

“But what if Liverpool don’t buy him now? Or he gets injured, he never gets to that point and he never gets a chance to win trophies?

“People wonder why players sometimes get bolshie and get their elbows out and say, ‘No, I need to go.’

“I just think it’s business. Players shouldn’t get vilified — clubs aren’t and it should be equal."

What Isak Said To Newcastle United After Moving To Liverpool?

Isak had earlier expressed his gratitude to Newcastle United and the club’s supporters.

“I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the staff, and above all, the city of Newcastle and all the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together," Isak wrote on Instagram with comments on the post turned off.

“Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs. It has been an honour to be part of the journey from reaching the Champions League to winning the first trophy in over 70 years. Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle."

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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First Published:

September 03, 2025, 17:27 IST

News sports Rio Ferdinand Defends Alexander Isak: 'Nice Guys Don't Win... Clubs Get Away With Murder'

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