Former England striker Michael Owen has offered his perspective on Alexander Isak’s recent desire to leave Newcastle United, emphasizing the double standard that often surrounds high-profile player transfers.
Owen noted that, historically, when clubs push to sell players, little attention is paid to the personal impact on the players themselves. “Nine times out of ten when a move comes about, it’s normally a club forcing a player, and nobody’s bothered,” Owen said. He highlighted that factors such as children in school, families settled in a city, or players’ personal lives are often ignored in these situations. “Nobody cares really about a footballer,” he added.
The former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward contrasted that with the global attention a player receives when they attempt to initiate a move themselves. “But when it’s on the other foot, it’s really interesting to see that everybody— you know, the whole world—goes into meltdown. And how dare somebody try and force a move through?” Owen remarked, pointing to the media frenzy and public debate surrounding Isak’s situation.
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Despite the intense scrutiny, Owen made it clear he does not intend to criticize Isak for wanting a change. “I’m not going to sit here and criticize Isak,” he stated. The comment underscores the often-unseen pressures professional footballers face, where their careers, personal lives, and ambitions are closely intertwined with club interests and public opinion.
Owen’s remarks come amid growing speculation about Isak’s future at Newcastle, with fans and pundits divided over whether the club should allow him to leave. The striker, who has shown flashes of brilliance since joining the Magpies, has expressed a desire for a new challenge, sparking discussions about loyalty, ambition, and the business side of modern football.
By emphasizing the double standards in football transfers, Owen sheds light on the human element behind the headlines, reminding fans that players are not just assets but individuals whose lives are deeply affected by these high-stakes decisions.
