Just a few minutes after the annual output announced by the Professional Players' Association (PFA) at the Manchester Opera House - with only 10 names instead of 11 - Alexander Isak chose to "appear" in a surprising scenario.
The Swedish striker's rare statement on social media immediately became the focus of attention, creating controversy.
Isak spoke about "river promises" and affirmed that change is the best for all parties. That statement was like an irreversible line. But Newcastle immediately showed iron determination - they will not let him join Liverpool or any other team.
This ironic situation becomes even more dramatic when it takes place right in an event that aims to honor the best performances of the season.
Last season, Isak's impressive form helped him be voted into the Premier League's best squad. Newcastle did not ban him from attending the awards ceremony, but they did not accompany him. And Isak himself was hesitant to appear at the event.
The honor night at the Opera House, along with the award ceremony, gathered many executives, lawyers and representatives. And everyone was eager to learn about the "bomb" Isak had just thrown.
Many people think that in any other profession, no one is opposed when they want to change jobs. But professional sports are operated by special agreements.
The players themselves - including some of Isak's teammates at Newcastle - often sympathized with similar situations. Because they understand that the player's career is short and need to make the most of opportunities. However, most would not choose to act like Isak.
In the "Magpies" dressing room, the current atmosphere is said to be disappointing, reflecting the internal division in the Swedish striker's moves.
One of the main reasons Isak wanted to leave was because he was about to turn 26 in September this year. At the peak of his career, the striker felt that Newcastle were not strong enough to compete for major trophies, and he did not want to waste more time.
There are many reasons why Isak wanted to leave, but one of them came from internal instability at Newcastle this summer. Ironically, it was this chaos that forced him to stay.
Although there have been many words and arguments surrounding the incident over the past few months, the whole story actually revolves around two truths.
First, Newcastle are determined not to let Isak leave without a worthy replacement. So far, they have failed to search, with at least four top targets failing to find them.
Second, as the transfer window gradually closed and options became increasingly scarce, Isak began to feel impatient. That was the reason he broke his silence. And from those words, a greater truth appeared.
In such situations, there is always a fragile balance of power. When the market is still open, players often have an advantage. Clubs rarely want to keep a person without a commitment, because that reluctance can disrupt the dressing room and create a big problem.
But when the transfer window closed, the advantage immediately tilted towards the club. At this time, the player has nowhere to go, and of course no one wants to take the bench, especially in a year with the World Cup.
Maybe Isak himself accidentally accelerated the process and closed his own door. The incident is now not only limited to football, but is becoming more and more complicated.
If Newcastle could initially approach the problem practically, then with Isak's emotional expressions, he accidentally touched the deeper layer. That is the sentiment of one of the most powerful financial forces on the planet.
Because behind Newcastle is the Public Investment Fund (PIF) - the national investment fund of Saudi Arabia. And if the Newcastle project was bought to become a tool to show off its strength, now they have more reason to show that strength, not only on the pitch but also at the negotiation table.
