Alexander Isak's controversial agent was investigated by FIFA and forced clubs to act

Vlado Lemic has once again demonstrated he isn't shy about ruffling some feathers this summer. The agent advising Alexander Isak has sparked one of the most talked-about and controversial transfer disputes in recent years as the 2025/26 Premier League campaign approaches.

The Newcastle United forward is now refusing to play for the club where he's netted 62 goals in 109 appearances in an effort to push through a move to Liverpool before the transfer window closes. The decision - and particularly its timing - has left many observers stunned. The reasoning becomes more apparent, however, when attention shifts to one of the key advisers he has leaned on in recent weeks: Lemic.

The business of football representation often involves strategic manoeuvring and playing off one party against another to achieve the desired outcome. Those are tactics the 59-year-old Serbian has honed over more than 25 years in the industry.

What began as primarily assisting players from his home country and surrounding regions in securing moves to the Dutch league has evolved into a powerhouse operation under the Universal Twenty Two banner - an agency that also counts Emi Martinez and Luka Modric among its high-profile clients.

Lemic's reputation first grew during his early involvement with PSV in the 2000s. Allegations of financial misconduct arose - claims that were never proven - yet the club still barred him from their training ground.

Four years later in 2012, FIFA launched an inquiry into his role in the transfer of Croatian midfielder Milan Badelj from Dinamo Zagreb to Hamburg. The governing body contacted all parties involved following claims that Lemic profited from the deal through an inflated fee.

However, in February 2013, FIFA announced: "After an investigation by FIFA TMS (Transfer Management System) into the allegations, it appears that there was no substantial involvement by Vlado Lemic in this transfer."

Over the years, Lemic steadily climbed the ladder of influence in European football. He had previously facilitated a working relationship between PSV and Chelsea, which saw the Dutch club take Blues players on loan until they qualified for a UK work permit. His ties with Roman Abramovich deepened, with reports crediting him for bringing Branislav Ivanovic and Nemanja Matic to Chelsea in 2008 and 2009.

His reach extended to Real Madrid as well, where he was said to have helped secure the £387million release clause in Luka Modric's contract following his move from Tottenham in 2012.

More recently, Lemic has helped negotiate various deals for Ajax, though reports suggest the Dutch giants have now distanced themselves from him, much like PSV once did. Swedish outfit AIK are also rumoured to have severed their working relationship with Universal Twenty Two. The agency has been contacted for comment.

One twist in Lemic's story is that he is not officially a licensed agent, instead counting himself as an adviser. He collaborates closely with his FIFA-licensed brother, Zoran, as well as other working partners such as Sven Mislintat, with formal club communications typically going through them.

For Isak's situation, Gonzalo Gaitan has been the point of contact for most negotiations. Even so, Lemic's track record suggests he tends to achieve his objectives - often securing substantial earnings for his advisory role.

With Isak, however, those tactics may be reaching a breaking point. His apparent threat to down tools looks risky, as Newcastle are under no immediate pressure to sell otherwise.

And their search for a replacement striker has hit repeated snags. Whether Liverpool's opening £110m offer can be improved enough to get the deal done remains uncertain as the window ticks on.