Customise ESPN

The little-known FIFA rule that gives Isak has all the leverage over Newcastle

You've probably seen coverage of the Alexander Isak transfer saga, but you are probably far less familiar with a little-known FIFA rule known as Article 17. It could well be the key to unlock Isak's future.

Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Isak, Højlund, Guéhi sagas prove fans are only loyal people in football

Loyalty is a virtue, but in football, business comes first. Isak is now walking the rocky path previously taken by stars like Alexander-Arnold and Kane.

TOP HEADLINES

ASHVIR SINGH JOHAL TAKES CHARGE

SOCCER

Morecambe hire first Sikh boss in British football

New Morecambe manager Ashvir Singh Johal has vowed to take the club back to the Football League.

ashvirjohal / Instagram

INDIAN SPORTS DAILY UPDATES

Praggnanandhaa beats Gukesh at Sinquefield Cup; Bhaker wins 10m air pistol bronze at Asian C'ships: Indian Sports LIVE, August 19

Here are all the updates from Indian sports on August 19, 2025.

PTI Photo via FIDE/Michal Walusza

Aug 18: SC to hear ISL case on Friday; Bagan refuse to release players for NT

Kapil wins India's first gold at Asian Shooting C'ships; Bangladesh to replace Pakistan in Hockey Asia Cup.

PROBLEMS TO FIX?

What early issues need solving for some top Premier League clubs?

The first matchday of the Premier League is over, so what did some of the top clubs learn from it? Arsenal need to fix their press, while Chelsea could play Cole Palmer out wide.

Stu Forster/Getty Images

TRANSFER TALK

Transfer rumors, news: Man United eye Lammens, as Inter chase Onana

Manchester United could look to Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens as Inter Milan consider a reunion with André Onana. Transfer Talk has the latest news, gossip and rumors.

Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images

Will Manchester United be able to sign more players?

1:10

REFEREEING MADRID

How will Xabi Alonso handle LaLiga refereeing at Real Madrid?

As Real Madrid's new manager, Xabi Alonso will soon be exposed to the eccentricities of LaLiga refereeing. One thing's for certain: Alonso won't be afraid to speak out when he feels it is necessary.

Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

US OPEN

Why the internet can't help romanticising Raducanu and Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu say they're just friends. But a growing group of their fans is rooting for far more than just a US Open mixed doubles title. Welcome to the world of tennis shippers.

ESPN Illustration

Everything to know about the revamped -- and controversial -- US Open mixed doubles

The US Open mixed doubles tournament has a new look, with huge names and prize money. Here's what you'll want to know.

AP Photo/Julia Nikhinson, File

AROUND THE ASSOCIATION

2025-26 NBA milestones: Landmarks to watch this season for LeBron, Jokic and others

Important milestones to watch ahead of the 2025-26 season, including another historic season from LeBron James and Nikola Jokic.

(Photo by David Crane/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

The stat that could swing every NBA team's 2025-26 season

What numbers are teams focused on with just over a month until camp? Zach Kram runs down the big stat for all 30 franchises.

WEEKEND REVIEW

Unheralded Milla grabs spotlight with 'impossible' header: Moment of the Weekend

A squad player who doesn't score many, but Pere Milla grabbed all the headlines in LALIGA's opening weekend.

Eric Alonso/Getty Images

Stats: Salah up to fourth, Messi's 30, Kane's 2nd and Bayern's 11th

ESPN brings you the best stats from this weekend's football action.

Customise ESPN