Michael Owen Critiques Liverpool's Transfer Window
Michael Owen has never been shy of an opinion on Liverpool’s direction, and this summer’s transfer business has left the former Anfield striker uneasy.
With Mohamed Salah gone and Hugo Ekitike sidelined by a long-term injury, Liverpool’s attack has lost its reference point. One of the greatest forwards in the club’s history looks at the current window and sees a gap – both in numbers and in profile.
“Absolutely, yes,” Owen said when asked if he was surprised by how restrained Liverpool have been. “Losing Mo Salah and his goals and assists must be a concern right now. Liverpool need to look to add more depth in the forward areas.”
The club have moved, but not yet with the force many expected. Victor Munoz has arrived from Osasuna in a £34.5million deal, a left-winger with obvious promise and scope to grow under Andoni Iraola. Talks continue with Paris Saint-Germain over Bradley Barcola, the France international who carries a huge price tag and equally large expectations. There is also interest in Ibrahim Mbaye, the teenage attacker on the books of the Champions League holders.
The recruitment team are clearly busy. Owen’s issue is that, in his view, they have already let the ideal solution slip away.
Bowen, the missed chance
West Ham’s relegation opened a door that Owen believes Liverpool should have burst through. Jarrod Bowen, proven in the Premier League, versatile across the front line and now tied down to a new deal at the London Stadium, was the one he would have built around.
“I would have gone more Jarrod Bowen as one player to come in,” Owen said. “I believe he is very talented, Premier League-proven and could have fitted in really well and could have scored plenty of goals.”
Instead, the focus has narrowed on Barcola. A statement signing if it happens, but one that could force a reshuffle.
“Right now it seems Liverpool are putting all their time in looking to secure Barcola from PSG, although at a huge price tag it may mean that one of the attacking players may have to make way for him to join,” Owen noted.
He does not expect the club to stand still. Salah’s departure is too big, the void too obvious.
“I expect Liverpool to sign another attacking player as Mo leaves a big void and Liverpool do need to strengthen.”
Isak and Wirtz under the spotlight
Attention will also fall heavily on the players already in the building. Liverpool invested more than £100million in Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, but both endured disrupted first seasons at Anfield.
Isak spent four months out with a broken leg and never truly built rhythm. Wirtz wrestled with adaptation, adjusting to a new league, new expectations and a new role.
“He had a tough time last season,” Owen said of Isak. “That kind of injury does take a lot of time to recover from and sometimes you only recover to the player you were, not one that can push on even further.”
The challenge is clear. If Liverpool do not flood the market for forwards, those already signed must bridge the gap.
“But if Isak can find the same form that he did for Newcastle, then he can definitely show his worth for Andoni Iraola,” Owen added. “He is hugely talented as shown for Newcastle and did look good in the World Cup, so hopefully he can be a top striker next season and score plenty.
“With (Florian) Wirtz as well now having one season under his belt, we hope he can find good form.”
For Iraola, that hope needs to turn into certainty. Liverpool cannot afford another season of waiting for big-money players to click.
Curtis Jones and the Scouse heartbeat
While the forward line dominates the headlines, another storyline is simmering in midfield. Curtis Jones, entering the final year of his contract, is being courted from abroad. Inter have yet to meet Liverpool’s valuation, Galatasaray are also interested, and the club face a decision over the last senior Scouser in the dressing room.
Owen, who came through the academy himself, feels the weight of that possibility.
“It’s always nice to have homegrown players playing for Liverpool. The fans feel it when you see local players come through the Academy and shine for the first team,” he said.
He knows the emotional pull. He also knows how quickly circumstances can turn. His attempt to illustrate the wider trend came with a muddled example, but the point stood: local heroes leaving hurts, and it lingers.
“So it’s difficult, but I do have to say, I was a local lad who came through the ranks and played for Liverpool and you could feel it was great.”
For all the spreadsheets, scouting networks and negotiations with PSG, that is the tension Liverpool now juggle: replacing Salah’s output, backing expensive imports to finally ignite, and deciding whether to cash in on a homegrown midfielder who embodies the club’s identity.
Owen’s message cuts through the noise. The window is open, the squad is short in attack, and Liverpool, in his eyes, have already let one perfect fit pass them by. The question now is whether they can afford to misjudge the next one.
