Former Newcastle United striker Michael Owen has criticised what he calls the “two-facedness” of football fans in the wake of Alexander Isak’s controversial move to Liverpool.
Both Isak and Yoane Wissa faced backlash this summer after forcing their respective transfers. Isak refused to join Newcastle on their pre-season tour of Asia and later stayed away from the first team once the season began. His stance eventually secured him a record-breaking £125 million deadline-day switch to Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Brentford forward Wissa took similar action by refusing to play, paving the way for his move to Newcastle as Isak’s replacement. Their tactics ignited fierce debate across the Premier League about the morality of players downing tools to push through transfers.
In contrast, Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi was praised for his professionalism amid speculation over a move to Anfield. Despite handling the situation respectfully, his potential switch collapsed on deadline day, leaving him at Selhurst Park.
Owen, who made 79 appearances for Newcastle, defended Isak’s stance while acknowledging it was not ideal behaviour. Speaking to BetSelect, he argued that fans often overlook the fact that clubs themselves frequently engage in ruthless practices.
“[Isak] will say it was the right thing to do,” Owen said. “The purists will insist players should always act properly, but it depends on which side you’re on. The reality is, the clubs you feel sorry for are probably the biggest perpetrators when it comes to this kind of conduct.”
