Alexander Isak’s potential move to Liverpool is becoming the transfer story of the summer, and Michael Owen thinks he understands what is going through the Swede’s mind
Michael Owen has dismissed the notion that Alexander Isak’s potential move from Newcastle United to Liverpool is motivated by money. The Newcastle striker recently expressed his desire to explore his options away from St James’ Park, which put Liverpool on red alert.
The Merseysiders initially showed interest in him days before Arne Slot’s side signed Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for a whopping £79million. They have already shattered the Premier League transfer record this summer with the £116m signing of Florian Wirtz. However, the Reds may have to break it again if they wish to secure Isak.
Sky Sports Switzerland recently claimed Liverpool have reached an agreement for a five-year contract with the Swedish international.
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While many assume financial gain is the primary factor behind a player’s decision to switch clubs, Owen – reflecting on his own move from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 2004 – insists that a player like Isak wouldn’t be concerned about the monetary aspects of the transfer.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Owen also lamented the impact on Premier League competitiveness when players like Isak choose to join top-tier teams rather than helping their current clubs grow. He said: “If any decent player becomes available, the big boys come and eventually they move.
“It’s sad because you want competition in football, but you put yourself in a player’s point of view. If you didn’t have ambition, then football would be nothing. You’ve got one short career trying to win as much as you can, trying to get to the best team.
“That’s what drives everybody. People will say it’s money, it’s not. Most footballers just want to be in the best teams, in the best competitions and winning trophies. Unfortunately, this scenario will never, ever change.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has thus far maintained his conviction that Isak will stay put when the transfer window closes. The Magpies chief said: “He is still our player.
“He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.
“My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”
Ekitike’s arrival took Liverpool’s summer expenditure to the £300m milestone, marking the first window this threshold has been reached in the club’s history. Nevertheless, with Newcastle reportedly slapping a £150m valuation on Isak, the Reds might need to breach the £400m barrier.
Liverpool also have additional funds at their disposal this summer, following Luis Diaz’s £65m switch to Bayern Munich.
Isak has been absent from the Magpies’ pre-season tour of Asia, with his situation in need of sorting soon. Last year, Isak netted 27 goals and provided six assists in all competitions for Howe’s team. His standout moment was when he scored the pivotal second goal for Newcastle in their League Cup final victory over the Reds at Wembley.
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