Alexander Isak recently dislodged Michael Owen as public enemy No.1 at Newcastle United - but he is doing a good job of regaining that spot.
Michael Owen has questioned whether Marc Guehi should have acted like Alexander Isak and Yoane Wissa to force his Liverpool move.
In the most intense transfer saga of the summer, Isak downed tools at Newcastle United, refusing to train or play ahead of the Premier League season. The Swede tried every move in the book, from going AWOL at former club Real Sociedad to releasing damning statements on social media.
He ultimately got his move on deadline day after Newcastle accepted a bid worth £130million the night before. Meanwhile, the Magpies caved into Brentford’s demands to sign Wissa - who acted similarly over the summer but now links up with Nick Woltemade in attack.
Michael Owen on Marc Guehi x Alexander Isak
Risking the wrath of Newcastle fans - and not for the first time - former record signing Owen suggested Guehi may regret not acting in a similar fashion. Crystal Palace accepted a deadline-day bid from Liverpool for their captain - with the player even passing a medical - but the deal broke down at the final stages.
That was due to his replacement - Igor Julio - snubbing the Eagles to join West Ham United. Palace boss Glasner was reportedly at loggerheads with the club’s board over whether Guehi could leave.
However, that separate saga has been lost on Owen, who focused on the conduct of Isak, Wissa and Guehi. He posted on social media: "Hmmm. Behave badly and get the move you want. Behave like a gentleman and miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. No prizes for guessing how players will act in the future if this is the result.”
Hmmm. Behave badly and get the move you want. Behave like a gentleman and miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. No prizes for guessing how players will act in the future if this is the result. #DeadlineDay
— Michael Owen (@themichaelowen) September 1, 2025
Michael Owen defended Alexander Isak
Earlier in the window, Owen defended Isak amid a wave of criticism for his Newcastle antics. He told Premier League Productions: "I will not condone a player refusing to (play).
“But what I don't agree with is all these ex-players coming out, sticking up for the club, sticking up for this, that and the other, and all having a go at Isak, they all would've done exactly the same, all of them.
"He's not a bad person, he's not a bad lad. He didn't come into this situation saying, 'Right, I'm never going to train again'. He would've said to Eddie Howe at the end of last season, 'If the opportunity arises, I'd like to go to a team like Liverpool'.”
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Alexander Isak message to Newcastle United fans
Taking to Instagram to break his six-week silence, Isak wrote: "I want to express my gratitude to my teammates, the staff, and above all, the city of Newcastle and all the amazing supporters for the three unforgettable years we shared together.
"Together, we have written history and brought the club to the place where it truly belongs. It has been an honour to be part of the journey from reaching the Champions League to winning the first trophy in over 70 years. Forever grateful. Thank you, Newcastle."
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