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Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen says it is only natural that Alexander Isak would want to leave Newcastle United to join the Anfield side this summer — with the player's head having been turned.
Isak has been the subject of one bid by Liverpool, which was swiftly turned down. But Newcastle is chasing alternatives to its star man and the number nine could yet depart this summer if replacements can be sourced by the North East side, which is hoping to tie up a move for Benjamin Sesko.
"Isak's obviously an incredibly talented boy, and I would say that there aren't that many top-class center-forwards around in the world at the moment," Owen told Liverpool.com.
"So, if there's a team in need, and they’re a top team, then your eyes would certainly be drawn to him. He's had a great season.
"Newcastle are in the Champions League this year. There's a lot to look forward to at Newcastle. They're a wealthy team; whether they can spend that money is a different question, but I don't blame Liverpool for being interested in him.
"I don't blame any top team for being interested in him, because he's one of the world's best in his position. So from any club's point of view, I don't blame them at all."
Isak would be an instant starter for Liverpool should the move get over the line. Last year, he scored 23 league goals — only Mohamed Salah notched more — and he is now ready to take the next step in his career.
Liverpool, clearly, would be a step up. "From his position, this will always be the case," Owen said.
"If a team that’s not winning the Premier League or Champions League, in this instance it’s Newcastle, are being challenged by a great team that's at the top of the tree, i.e. Liverpool, Champions League winners in recent years, Premier League winners as well, and competes at the very top and looks like they are going to continue to, then it's obviously a head-turner."
While the player himself might have to force the move (and in staying at home rather than joining Newcastle on tour in Asia, that has perhaps already begun), Owen can understand his feelings.
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"I've been in the position of being a footballer, and I can't blame people for being ambitious," Owen, speaking on behalf of AskGamblers, continued. "If people weren't, if people were just in it for money and weren't that bothered, we wouldn't have a great game. Football wouldn't be the game it is.
"The whole point is that everybody strives to be the best they can be, to play for the best teams they can, and try to win as many medals as possible in their short career. So, I can't blame players for wanting to excel and better themselves.
"It's a scenario we've seen a million times before at all levels, and we'll continue to see it. It's not unique in any way, shape, or form; this is just the norm. It's just how it transpires.
"Obviously, one thing is that Newcastle still has his services for about three years left on his contract, so they do hold a lot of power. However, we've seen before that when players want something, demand something, it's not easy to keep an unhappy player."
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