Players Shouldn't Be Vilified for Forcing Transfers, Says Rio Ferdinand

Alexander Isak

Rio Ferdinand shares his perspective on football transfers, citing the Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi saga. Learn more about his views on player transfers.

Rio Ferdinand: “nice guys don't win' in football transfers...”

Rio Ferdinand believes players shouldn't be vilified for forcing through transfer moves, especially when dealing with “greedy” clubs. He made this statement following the Alexander Isak saga, where the Swedish striker engineered a move to Liverpool after making it clear he didn't want to play for Newcastle United again. Ferdinand thinks it's business, and players should be treated equally, just like clubs. He emphasized that “nice guys don't win” in such situations.

The Alexander Isak Saga 

• Transfer to Liverpool: Isak completed his transfer to Liverpool for a British record £125 million after a protracted saga.

• Reaction from Newcastle United: The Magpies said no commitment had been made for Isak to leave the club, contradicting his claims of broken promises.

• Isak's Statement: Isak expressed gratitude to Newcastle United after the transfer, saying it was an “honor to be part of the journey.”

Ferdinand's comments come as no surprise, given his experience in high-profile transfers, including his own move from Leeds to Manchester United in 2002 for a then-British record fee. He argues that clubs often get away with unfair treatment of players, and it's only natural for players to prioritize their careers.

Alexander Isak's transfer saga concluded with a British-record £125 million move to the Premier League champions, fulfilling the Swedish striker's desire to join the league's top team. Conversely, Marc Guehi's potential transfer to Liverpool fell through after Crystal Palace unexpectedly blocked the sale. Despite Liverpool's interest, Guehi demonstrated professionalism by continuing to play well for Palace.

Transfer Insights:

• Alexander Isak's Move: Secured a British-record £125 million deal
• Marc Guehi's Situation: Crystal Palace vetoed his sale to Liverpool

Ferdinand's comment highlights the complexities of football transfers, where professional conduct may not always lead to desired outcomes.

Worth the wait. pic.twitter.com/Gs1vZybcUE

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 1, 2025

“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.'”

Rio Ferdinand continued, “Marc Guehi's not been able to go and everyone's going, 'Great, brilliant.' But at the end of the day, business is business. Players should be treated equally, just like clubs are.“ He emphasized that in football, “nice guys don't win,” highlighting the harsh realities of transfer deals and the importance of prioritizing one's career.

“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.”

Ferdinand's Perspective:

Transfer Experience:* Ferdinand's own move from Leeds to Manchester United in 2002 for a then-British record fee informs his views on player transfers.

Business of Football: Players should be treated equally, and business is business, whether it's a player or a club making demands.

Reality of Football: “Nice guys don't win” in the context of high-stakes transfers and career advancement.

Marc Guehi's England Squad Inclusion and Potential Liverpool Move

Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace's 25-year-old defender, is part of England's squad for World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia. His potential move to Liverpool next summer is on the horizon as his Palace contract expires. Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, believes England lacks depth in central defense, despite Guehi's promising performances.

England's Central Defense Concerns

Rio Ferdinand expressed concerns about England's central defense depth, especially with John Stones' injury. He praised Marc Guehi for stepping up comfortably and performing well in Stones' absence. Ferdinand's comments highlight the challenges England faces in maintaining a strong defensive lineup.

Guehi's Recent Performances and Future Prospects

Guehi has been impressive for both Crystal Palace and England, showcasing his defensive skills and leadership qualities. His performances have caught the attention of top clubs, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United. With his contract expiring soon, Guehi's future remains uncertain, but his talent and potential make him a desirable asset for any team.

“I'm not saying the quality is really bad, but there's not enough,” said the 46-year-old, who made 81 appearances for his country in that position.

“You've got Marc Guehi and John Stones, and then after that you're going... who else is there really?“

Thomas Tuchel's tenure as England's manager has gotten off to a mixed start, with the team struggling to impress since he took the helm at the beginning of the year. However, according to Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United defender, what's most important is how England performs at the World Cup in North America this June and July. Ferdinand's comments suggest that Tuchel's success will ultimately be measured by the team's performance on the biggest stage.

Making an entrance 👌

Watch the #ThreeLions' St George's Park arrivals on YouTube now. ⤵️

— England (@England) September 3, 2025

Ferdinand's pragmatic view highlights the high stakes involved in major tournaments, where a team's success is often defined by their results rather than their form leading up to the event.

“It's a work in progress and I don't think we should expect miracles immediately. We don't want miracles now, you want miracles in the summer,” he said.

“Even if there's a stuttering period now and things aren't going perfectly well, it's not panic stations.”

He added: “This is a getting-to-know-you period for the manager and the players.

“He needs time with the players to get to know who's who and who gels well.”

Key Concerns:

England's Central Defense Depth: Ferdinand fears that England might be struggling with depth in central defense, particularly with John Stones' injury.

Marc Guehi's Potential Move: Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is part of England's squad for World Cup qualifiers, might join Liverpool next summer after his contract expires.