Michael Owen: Isak is perfect for Liverpool, with Nunez to go | OneFootball

Isak to Liverpool? Michael Owen Questions Nunez Role and Sees Fit for Anfield

As transfer speculation ramps up ahead of the summer window, talkSPORT sat down with Michael Owen to discuss the future of two of the Premier League’s most talked-about forwards: Alexander Isak and Darwin Nunez. The conversation, led by presenters on talkSPORT, quickly veered into the heart of Liverpool’s attacking dilemma — and whether Isak could be the answer Arne Slot is looking for.

Isak earns praise from Owen: “That finish… was unbelievable”

Reflecting on Newcastle’s League Cup final victory, Owen was full of admiration for Isak’s impact. “That finish in the Cup Final the other day was unbelievable,” he said. “Both goals actually for Newcastle were incredible.”

He credited Dan Burn’s header as well, but reserved special attention for the Swedish striker: “They were brilliant, weren’t they? Newcastle absolutely deserved it.” Owen added that Isak “is the one that’s going to absolutely bounce you into that elite level.”

Photo: IMAGO

Owen, who grew up through the Liverpool Academy, admitted his own bias but maintained his view that it was “just brilliant for football that Newcastle won it.” Yet with Newcastle now holding a prized asset in Isak, attention turns to the question on every fan’s mind — will he stay?

Newcastle’s financial tightrope

Owen expressed frustration at Newcastle’s position. “It sort of stagnated,” he said, referring to their recent activity. “They were having to sell one or two players… to keep within the financial regulations.” Despite being backed by significant ownership, Newcastle have felt the squeeze of Premier League financial rules.

“Eddie Howe has done so incredibly well to actually keep that momentum going,” Owen noted, crediting the manager’s work amidst limited resources. “They’ve got a huge asset obviously in Alexander Isak that everybody’s going to be chasing.”

He admitted it would take “telephone numbers” to prise Isak away, and Newcastle “will do everything to keep him,” but he didn’t rule out the possibility: “If a huge team came in and turned his head, then who knows what would happen.”

Nunez doubts at Liverpool

When asked whether Isak would be a good fit for Liverpool, Owen didn’t hesitate. “I can’t see Darwin Nunez in a Liverpool shirt next season, personally,” he said. “I think there’s interest in him as well… one or two Premier League teams are interested… foreign interest as well.”

Photo IMAGO

The conversation highlighted Nunez’s struggles under current Liverpool boss Arne Slot. “It’s clear to say he’s not his favourite guy… he’s been there three years now and his numbers are not fantastic.”

When posed with the idea of a swap — Nunez to Newcastle, Isak to Anfield — Owen didn’t dismiss it outright, though he was realistic. “If Isak was available, I think Liverpool would do everything in their power to get somebody like that. But so would Arsenal… who wouldn’t be desperate for a player like that?”

Keeping stars vs. cashing in

Owen acknowledged Newcastle’s dilemma. “They simply can’t let him go,” he said, but recognised the pressure to stay financially compliant. “Get into credit with the financial rules… then they can go and spend 100 or 120 on three £30 million players… but you prefer Isak.”

Photo: IMAGO

He argued, “You have to have the very, very elite — at least two, three, four of them — in certain positions,” referencing Liverpool’s core as a model. “With Isak up front, you’ve got half a chance.”

CEO Darren Eales’ recent comments offered a glimmer of hope for Newcastle fans. “We haven’t made a major signing for three windows… we’re actually looking all right by the rules,” the club had stated — indicating they may be ready to spend, not sell.

For now, though, the future of both Isak and Nunez hangs in the balance.