The view of Michael Owen is that Alexander Isak is completely justified in attempting to engineer a departure from Newcastle United and a subsequent transfer to Liverpool.
The former Newcastle team leader is of the opinion that the Isak situation is intricate, but it is also a scenario that frequently unfolds in the realm of football, more so than what is commonly perceived.
Owen’s tenure as a Newcastle player spanned from 2005 to 2009, a period during which he experienced relegation from the Premier League while holding the captaincy for the Magpies at the conclusion of the 2008-09 season.
Michael Owen expresses understanding for Alexander Isak’s desire to depart from Newcastle
As a former Liverpool player himself, Owen has given his opinion on what is being talked about the most during the summer transfer period.
“It is a situation that is getting a lot of attention, but it mirrors what happens constantly,” the former England international shared with AskGamblers.
“Considering Newcastle, they have an existing contract with the player. The team needs to evaluate their financials, the potential compensation they might receive, the prospect of dealing with a discontented player, or the ramifications of keeping someone against their preferences.
“Having experienced being a football player, I can’t hold it against anyone for having ambition. If players lacked ambition and were primarily driven by financial gain without genuine enthusiasm, the sport would suffer. Football’s appeal hinges on the dedication and aspiration of its participants.
Owen’s relationship with the fans at St. James’ Park is complicated, as evidenced by the boos that greeted his return in the 2010-11 season while playing for Manchester United.
“The central theme is that everyone aims to achieve their utmost potential, compete for elite teams, and strive for as many accolades as possible throughout their relatively limited careers. Therefore, I cannot fault players for their ambition to excel and develop,”
“Certainly, it’s important to acknowledge that Newcastle retains the player’s contractual commitments for roughly three more years, granting them considerable leverage.
“However, instances have occurred where players intensely desire something, making it challenging to retain a player who is not content,” he stated.
Owen’s formative years in football were spent at Liverpool, which preceded his transfer to Real Madrid in 2004. His stint in La Liga was brief, lasting just one season before he exchanged Madrid for Newcastle in the northeast, becoming the team’s high-profile acquisition that summer.
During his time at St. James’ Park, he faced numerous injury setbacks, eventually departing on a free transfer after the club’s demotion to the second division.
